Short Description
AAC runs a vacuum tribometer, which enables the investigation of materials and coatings with respect to friction and wear properties in (thermal) vacuum. It enables on-line measurement of friction force during unidirectional sliding according to standardised pin-on-disc, ball-on-disc or cylinder-on-disc geometries. Environments vary from vacuum, gases under controllable pressures (e.g. to simulate Martian environment: 6mbar CO2) or to air with controlled humidity. Also linear wear is determined on-line. Mass spectrometer can be attached to analyse residual gas (e.g. desorption of contaminants from degradation of oils or greases).
Contact Person
Aerospace & Advanced Composites GmbH
Research Services
Determination of Coefficient of Friction
Methods & Expertise for Research Infrastructure
For first tribological assessment, so-called pin-on-disc tribometers offer the simplest and cost effective test to derive friction, wear and a fore-cast for the life-time of materials and coatings for use in space and planetary exploration.