Influence of diameter–thickness ratio on alloy Zr-4 tube under low-energy impact fretting wear

•A novel low velocity impact fretting wear test was developed, and the device can provide cycling constant kinetic energy at every impact cycle.•The deformation, loss of kinetic energy absorbed energy rate, contact force in real time can be measure and recorded during the impact process.•How the diameter–thickness ratio effected the impact wear behavior of Zirconium alloy thin wall tube was investigated.

Impact fretting wear test of alloy Zr-4 tubes with varied diameter–thickness ratios (D/t ratio) against a GCr15 steel cylinder was performed with a new impact wear testing device at dry room temperature. The deformation behavior, impact energy absorption, and damage of the tested tubes resulting from the influence of diameter, thickness, and impact cycles were investigated. Results showed that under the same tube outer diameter, an increase in the D/t ratio leads to an increase in contact time and a reduction in peak force, energy absorption ratio, and damage degree. Under the same wall thickness, an increase in the D/t ratio leads to reduced contact time, peak force, energy absorption ratio, and depth. The bending section coefficient significantly affects contact stiffness, and wear damage is positively correlated to the bending moment value of the tube. The wear mechanisms of impact fretting wear of alloy Zr-4 tubes are contact fatigue spalling and oxidation.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideFigure Diagram of the low velocity impact wear test equipment and the results.