A Novel Tribometer and a Comprehensive Testing Method for Rolling-Sliding Conditions

This study introduces a method based on fine torque control to evaluate traction in rolling—liding line contacts under small slide-to-roll ratios (SRRs). To accomplish this, we engineered an innovative testing machine—a two-roller tribometer capable of precisely applying resisting torques to one of the rollers. Two types of tests were designed and conducted to validate our method and showcase the capabilities of the novel test setup. The first type, named the “Traction Decay Test”, proved to be effective in evaluating changes in the SRR over time. The second, named the “Torque-Mode Traction Test”, demonstrated its effectiveness in achieving ultra-low SRRs, in the order of 0.01%. As a result, traction curves with high resolution in the low SRR domain were constructed. This advancement provides the means for gaining a deeper understanding of traction coefficients, wear behavior, and tribological performance at ultra-low SRRs across diverse applications.