The Application of X-Ray Diffraction Techniques to the Study of Wear

Abstract

The relevance of X-ray diffraction techniques to the investigation of the chemical, physical, and crystallographic changes occurring during sliding wear is discussed in relation to existing theories of wear. By-way of illustration, the application of the powder X-ray cylindrical film technique to the unlubricated wear of a low-alloy, medium carbon steel is treated in some detail. The variation of the relative proportions of iron and its oxides in the wear debris with changes in sliding speed is described. It is shown that the results lend partial support to the oxidational hypothesis of the unlubricated wear of steel.