Evaluation of temperature distribution in steel balls induced by friction generated during tribotest against diamond like carbon coatings

Temperature rise in carbon steel (SUJ2-ASTM E52100) and stainless steel (SUS440C-ASTM 440C) balls sliding against diamond like carbon was evaluated using thermal simulation. On the premise that most of the friction energy was consumed as friction heat, the temperature distribution in the steel balls was simulated by ANSYS thermal conduction analysis using the friction energy measured by the ball on disc test. The interior temperatures of the steel balls were also monitored by a thermocouple during the tribotest. The simulation data, calibrated by the heat partition rate based on the Peclet number, were compared to the experiment data, and good accordance of both data was demonstrated.