Papers by Author: Sara M. Cerrud

Abstract: Soft anti-friction alloys are metal-metal composites used in journal bearings as a functionally graded system. The physical processes occurring during severe wear of these products are analysed and placed within the framework of theories on tribolayer formation. A simplified analysis of the thermodynamics of the phenomena permits analysing the anti-friction properties of the alloys in terms of the activity coefficients of their constituents and indicates that during wear, a wear-resistant contact layer is formed which retards further damage.

Abstract: Journal bearings are graded systems with a metal-metal composite as the functional layer. Estimation of the microscale stress distributions is used to analyse the interaction between microstructure, material properties and damage mechanisms during wear. The analysis is executed by means of simple plane-strain finite element models mimicking experimentally observed microstructures. It is found that under realistic macrosstress conditions no tensile microstresses are induced in the triboalloy and that plastic flow is inhibited by the graded structure.

Abstract: A fine microstructure stabilised by dispersed particles is an interesting option for increasing the resistance of Al-Sn tribo-alloys without sacrificing ductility. Particle stimulated and continuous recrystallisation allow achieving this goal, but require careful preconditioning of the microstructure to obtain the desired particle distribution. As-cast slabs of Al 12%Sn2%Pb3%Si contain large plates of b-AlFeSi and modified silicon in an aluminium matrix. Sn forms a reticular network which is liquid at conventional annealing temperatures. Experiments show that metastable b-AlFeSi initially coarsens due to Ostwald ripening, but later dissolves and the remainder transforms into FeSiAl12. Silicon partitions to the liquid, allowing the nucleation of numerous small Si-grains.