Prediction of wear volume and friction coefficients of SS304 alloy using grey taguchi-based response surface methodology

Abstract The present investigation is centered on examining the tribological characteristics within a pin-on-disk configuration resembling a cylinder on a flat contact surface. The pin, constructed from Stainless Steel 304 alloy, underwent sliding experiments under varying speeds (1, 2, and 3 m s −1 ) and normal loads (10, 15, and 20 N) across track diameters of 60 and 120 mm. The experiments aimed to mitigate wear and friction in movable components, thus conducted for up to 2000 s in the experimental setup without any lubrication. Observations of the coefficients of friction stabilization and wear rate were made by manipulating the input parameters to anticipate the failure range. Higher coefficients of friction and increased wear rates were noted at lower sliding speeds, with wear rates stabilizing at higher speeds. Interestingly, despite a higher coefficient of friction stabilization and wear rate at a 120 mm track diameter, wear decreased. Optical Microscopy studies were carried out to examine surface damage for all normal loads and sliding speeds using both 60 mm and 120 mm track diameters. Additionally, this study employs Grey Taguchi-based Response Surface Methodology (GT-RSM) to forecast and regulate wear and friction. The findings of this study have practical implications for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and others employing SS 304 alloys in their operational components.