The present paper presents experimental method for film thickness mapping inside the contact of two bodies. Despite extensive experimental research in the area of contacts of rigid bodies, little is known about the film formation when at least one of the bodies is compliant. This is due to limitations disabling the usage of conventional methods. In present study, mercury lamp induced fluorescence is developed and applied. Evaluation process is verified by comparing theoretical predictions and experimental data for piezoviscous-elastic contact of ceramic ball and glass disc. Consequently, phenolic sample is used as a representative of compliant material. The contact was lubricated by mineral oil and the experiments were carried out under pure rolling conditions. Film thicknesses in a range from 50 nm to 1.2 um were measured for compliant contact. The measured data are little bit lower compared to theory, indicating that thermal effects may influence the lubricant film.
Science Journal 