Érintkezkopás

Érintkezkopás is a Hungarian term that translates to "contact wear" or "fretting corrosion" in English. It refers to the material degradation that occurs when two surfaces, under load, experience small-amplitude relative motion. This motion is often oscillatory and occurs in areas where mechanical parts are clamped together, such as in bolted joints, splines, or press fits.

The process begins with friction between the mating surfaces. As the surfaces slide against each other, microscopic wear particles are generated. These particles can become trapped between the surfaces, leading to further abrasion. In the presence of an oxygen-containing environment, these wear particles can oxidize, forming more abrasive debris. This cycle of wear and oxidation exacerbates the damage.

Érintkezkopás can manifest in several ways. Surface roughening is a common symptom, but more significantly, it can lead to material loss and the formation of pits. In some cases, the wear debris can accumulate and create a "wedge effect," increasing the stress concentration at the contact points. This can significantly reduce the fatigue life of the component and, in critical applications, lead to premature failure.

The severity of érintkezkopás depends on several factors, including the materials in contact, the applied load, the amplitude and frequency of the relative motion, and the environmental conditions. Prevention strategies often involve reducing or eliminating the relative motion, using materials with higher wear resistance, or applying protective coatings to the surfaces. Lubrication can also play a role, although in some fretting scenarios, lubricants can become trapped and contribute to the problem. Understanding and mitigating érintkezkopás is crucial in the design and maintenance of mechanical systems where such contact conditions are present.