Experimental and statistical analysis of wear on gear material

Abstract The objective of this paper is to study the parameters that affect the remaining useful life of lubricant (RULL). Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of gear oil is used to observe the contamination in the oil. Coefficient of friction (COF) has been found out using pin on disc tribometer using gear oil, and simultaneously, wear debris has been collected. Particles distribution and elemental analysis of wear debris were observed by emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) Field with energy dispersive x‐ray (EDX) respectively. Oxidation, sulfation, soot and water content in lubricant increase with time and decrease the RULL. ANOVA is applied to find out the most influential parameter for wear debris and found a load on gears is the dominating factor for wear. This method is the potential to monitor the root causes of contamination and change in lubricant properties and may help to detect the other early signs of failure.