Report 23: Considerations in the Design of Plain Sliding Test Rigs

After outlining the relative merits of rig-testing of materials compared with testing in situ the fundamental considerations in the design of the testing machine are discussed. Of basic importance is a realistic appraisal of the conditions under which the material is to be used and the subsequent incorporation of accurately simulated conditions in the experimental rig. In particular the thermal resistances in the rig should be approximately proportional to those existing in the proposed application. The paper outlines ways of measuring normal force, frictional force and wear rates and emphasizes the need to record some variables continuously.