Machine Element
High temperature tribology in thermo-mechanical forming of ultra-high strength steel.
The high strength to weight ratios achieved with the ultra high strength boron steels (UHSS) makes them attractive for many technological applications. Most UHSS components are produced through hot forming processes. One of the advantages of hot forming of UHSS components is the possibility of simultaneous hardening through quenching.
There are however problems associated with hot forming and many of such problems are attributed to the occurrence of friction and wear during tool and workpiece interaction, affecting both the tools and the final product quality.
In this work, the tribological conditions at the tool/workpiece during hot metal forming will be studied and an appropriate tribological test procedure will be developed for characterisation of the high temperature wear behaviour of different tool steels (uncoated and coated) during sliding against ultra high strength boron steel (coated and uncoated).
The formation and nature of oxide layers on tool steel/ultra high strength steel surfaces will be investigated as these layers govern the friction and wear processes at elevated temperatures. Tribological studies will also be carried out on some selected surface engineered tool steels that can enable in controlling wear and friction during hot metal forming. Further, it is proposed to develop wear maps for different materials/coatings and to create wear models for prediction of tool life.
PhD student: Leonardo Pelcastro
Supervisor: Braham Prakash
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