Effect of Grease Lubricant on the Fretting Wear Properties of Steel Wires

The cold drawn steel wire was taken as an example to investigate the effect of grease lubricant on the fretting wear behaviors of steel wires on a self-made fretting wear rig. The results showed that grease lubricant changed the fretting regime of steel wires, i.e. narrowed mixed fretting regime and partial slip regime while widened the slip regime. The friction coefficient and wear loss reduced significantly due to the grease lubricant and the running-in period was extended. In partial slip regime, circular area was smooth and the damage of contact surface was mild. The friction oxidation was reduced and the wear mechanisms of steel wires were surface fatigue and abrasive wear in the mixed fretting regime and slip regime under lubrication of grease lubricant. The worn surface was smooth and the degree of damage was lower than that under dry friction.