Effect of displacement amplitude on fretting wear of 304 stainless steel in air and sea water

Abstract The fretting wear behaviours of 304 stainless steel at different displacement amplitudes were investigated by using a SRV‐IV fretting tester in air and sea water, respectively. In air, the friction coefficient as well as the fretting damage of 304 stainless steel increased with the increase of displacement amplitude, and the fretting regime changed from partial slip regime to gross slip regime. Correspondingly, the wear mechanisms transformed from local fatigue and slight oxidation to the combination damages of adhesion wear, abrasive wear, and oxidation. Compared with the dry friction conditions, sea water had a strong effect on fretting behaviour of 304 stainless steel. Adhesion wear was effectively suppressed due to the cooling and lubrication effect of sea water. Therefore, friction coefficient and wear depth decreased significantly. And the damages of 304 stainless steel in sea water were mainly caused by abrasive wear, slight adhesion wear, and corrosion wear.