Determination of wear volumes by chromatic confocal measurements during twin-disc tests with cast iron and steel

A novel method for in situ profile measurements on rolling contact test specimens has been demonstrated. A chromatic confocal probe was integrated into a twin-disc machine and used for disc profile measurements during periodically interrupted wear tests. The arrangement allowed detailed studies on the progress of the wear during a test without the removal of discs from the tribometer. Data from the interrupted tests was compared with the results of continuous tests. Both types of tests were run with two grades of cast iron dicsc in lubricated contact with steel. The results of this new method were in good agreement with those of a conventional diamond stylus probe method applied before and after the tests.