Tribological properties of the rotary friction welding of wood

Wood–wood friction is an ancient subject, and its related mechanisms have been elucidated. However, the tribological mechanism of wood–wood friction at a high speed is still unclear. In this paper, an experimental equipment of wood friction welding was designed and fabricated. The influences of welding equipment and wood parameters on frictional force, normal force, and welding interface temperature were studied. Results show that the speed of welding into wood has a significant effect on interfacial force and normal force. Increase in wood moisture content reduces frictional and normal forces, and increase in fiber angle increases frictional force, normal force, and welding interface temperature. This study provides theoretical and technical basis for the study of wood friction welding. • The influences of welding equipment and wood parameters on friction force, normal force, and temperature were studied. • The speed of welding into wood had a significant effect on interfacial normal force and friction forces. • Increased in fiber angle increases friction force, normal force, and welding interface temperature.