ASTM D5183-95(1999)e1
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determination of the Coefficient of Friction of Lubricants Using the Four-Ball Wear Test Machine
Standard Test Method for Determination of the Coefficient of Friction of Lubricants Using the Four-Ball Wear Test Machine
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the coefficient of friction by means of the Four-Ball Wear Test Machine.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or in the former cm-kgf metric units are to be regarded separately as the standard. Within the text the cm-kgf units are shown in parentheses. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents, therefore each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems can result in nonconformance to specification.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Notes 2, 3, 4, 5.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
An American National Standard
e1
Designation:D5183–95 (Reapproved 1999)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of the Coefficient of Friction of Lubricants
Using the Four-Ball Wear Test Machine
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5183; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
e NOTE—Warning statements were made part of the text in November 1999.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the 4.1 Three12.7mm(0.5in.)diametersteelballsareclamped
coefficient of friction by means of the Four-Ball Wear Test together and covered with 10 mL of the wear-in lubricant. A
Machine. fourth 12.7 mm diameter ball, referred to as the “top ball” is
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or in the former pressed with a force of 392 N (40 kgf) into the cavity formed
cm-kgf metric units are to be regarded separately as the by the three clamped balls for three-point contact. The tem-
standard. Within the text the cm-kgf units are shown in perature of the wear-in lubricant is regulated at 75°C (167°F),
parentheses. The values stated in each system are not exact and then, the top ball is rotated at 600 rpm for 60 min.
equivalents, therefore each system must be used independently 4.2 Fluid is discarded and balls cleaned. The wear scar
of the other. Combining values from the two systems can result diameter on each of the lower three balls is examined. If the
in nonconformance to specification. wear scars average 0.67 6 0.03 mm, (0.026 6 0.001 in.) then
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the the 10 mLof test fluid is added to the ball cup with the worn-in
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the test balls in place. The temperature of the test lubricant is
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- regulated at 75°C (167°F) and the top ball is rotated at 600 rpm
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- at 98.1 N (10 kgf) for 10 min.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau- 4.3 The load is then increased by 98.1 N (10 kgf) at the end
tionary statements are given in 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6. of each successive 10 min interval up to the point where the
frictional trace indicates incipient seizure. The coefficient of
2. Referenced Documents
friction is measured at the end of each 10 min interval.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5. Significance and Use
D 4172 Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of
Lubricating Fluid (Four-Ball Method) 5.1 Thistestmethodcanbeusedtodeterminethecoefficient
2.2 ANSI Standard: of friction of lubricating fluids under the prescribed test
B3.12 Specification for Metal Balls conditions.Theuserofthistestmethodshoulddeterminetohis
own satisfaction whether results of this test method correlate
3. Terminology
with field performance or other bench test machines.
3.1 Definitions:
6. Apparatus
3.1.1 coeffıcient of friction, (µ)—the ratio of the tangential
force that is needed to start or to maintain uniform relative 6.1 Four-Ball Test Machine —See Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3.
motion between two contacting surfaces to the perpendicular
NOTE 1—It is important to distinguish between the Four-Ball E.P. and
force holding them in contact.
the Four-Ball Wear Test Machine (see Test Method D 4172). The
Four-Ball E.P. Test Machine is designed for testing under heavier loads
and lacks the sensitivity necessary for wear tests.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-2 on
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.L on Industrial Lubricants.
Current edition approved May 15, 1995. Published July 1995. Originally The Four-Ball Wear Test Machine and the Falex Multi-Specimen Friction and
published as D 5183 – 91. Last previous edition D 5183 – 94. Wear Test Machine, both made by Falex Corp., 1020 Airpark Dr., Sugar Grove, IL
Available from Falex Corp., 1020 Airpark Dr., Sugar Grove, IL 60554. 60554 have been found satisfactory for this purpose. This company can also furnish
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.02. a microscope with a special base to measure the wear scars without removing the
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, ballsfromthetest-oilcup.DiscontinuedmodelsoftheFour-BallWearTestMachine
13th Floor, New York, NY 10036. made by Precision Scientific Co. and Roxana Machine Works are also satisfactory.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
e1
D5183–95 (1999)
such specifications are available. Other grades may be used,
provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently
high purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of
the determination.
7.2 Wear-In Lubricant, white oil having a viscosity at 40°C
of 24.3 to 26.1 cSt (100°F of 125/135 SUS). It should be
percolated through activated alumina to remove any residual
impurities.
7.3 Acetone.(Warning—Flammable. Health hazard.)
FIG. 1 Schematic of a Four-Ball Wear Test Machine
7.4 n-Heptane.(Warning—Flammable. Health hazard.)
7.5 Methyl ethyl ketone.(Warning—Flammable. Health
hazard.)
7.6 Pyridine.(Warning—Flammable. Health hazard.)
8. Preparation of Apparatus
8.1 Set up the drive of the machine to obtain a spindle speed
of 600 6 30 rpm.
8.2 Set temperature regulator to produce a test-oil tempera-
ture of 75 6 2°C (167 6 4°F).
8.3 Ifanautomatictimerisusedtoterminateatest,itshould
becheckedfortherequired 61minaccuracyat60minelapsed
time, and 610 s at 10 min elapsed time.
8.4 The loading mechanism should be balanced to a zero
reading with all parts and test oil in place. To demonstrate
proper precision an addition or subtraction of 2.0 N (0.2 kgf)
should be detectable in imbalance. Determination of accuracy
of loading at 147 and 392 N (15 and 40 kgf) is difficult and
generally limited to careful measurement of lever-arm ratios
and weights or piston diameter and pressure gage calibration.
NOTE 2—Because of differences in the construction of the various
machines on which the four-ball can be made, the manufacturer’s
instructions should be consulted for proper machine set up and operation.
9. Conditioning
9.1 Test Conditions—See Table 1.
10. Procedure
10.1 Thoroughly clean four test balls, clamping parts for
upper and lower balls and the ball cup by first soaking in
FIG. 2 Falex Variable—Speed Four-Ball Wear Test Machine
heptane for 1 min and then with sonic agitation for 10 s. Drain
and rinse with fresh heptane.
10.1.1 Repeat 10.1 using acetone. Blow dry under a stream
6.2 Microscope, capable of measuring the diameters of
of nitrogen gas. After cleaning, handle all parts using only a
thescarsproducedonthethreeballstoanaccuracyof0.01mm
fresh wipe. No trace of solvent should remain when wear-in
without removal from the ball test cup.
lubricant is introduced and the machine assembled.
6.3 Test Balls, chrome alloy steel, made fromAISI Standard
10.2 Tighten one of the clean balls into the spindle of the
Steel No. E-52100, with diameter of 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) Grade
test machine.
25 EP (extra polish). Such balls are described in ANSI
10.3 Assemble three of the clean balls in the test-oil cup.
Specifications B 3.12. The extra-polish finish is not described
10.4 Pour the wear-in lubricant indicated in 7.2 into the
in that specification. The Rockwell C hardness shall be 64 to
test-oil cup to a level at least 3 mm ( ⁄8 in.) above the top of the
66, a closer limit than is found in the ANSI requirement.
7. Reagents and Materials
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American
Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
listed by the American Chemical Society, see Analar Standards for Laboratory
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia
all reagents conform to the specifications of the Committee on
and National Formulary, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville,
Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society where M
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.