Amsler two-disc test stand “A135

The two-disk test rig “A135” from Roell-Amsler can be used to investigate the motion types rolling, sliding and tumbling.
As standard, two 10 mm wide discs with a diameter of 40 mm are pressed together. Theoretically, the lateral surfaces of the disk can have any conceivable geometry. The frictional torque is recorded continuously. Wear can be determined after the test by weighing or measuring.

With the switchable eccentric, a pulsating radial load (abrupt lift-off) can be superimposed on the rotary motion. A second eccentric allows periodic axial back and forth movement of the upper specimen. When the upper shaft is stationary, a bearing half-shell can also be used instead of the cylindrical specimen in order to test plain bearing materials and coatings, for example.

The test bench is used at KTM primarily for simulating wheel/rail systems. Here, liquid and paste lubricants as well as solid lubricating pins are examined.

Test bench parameters A 135
Normal force 20 to 2000 N
Speed 25 to 350 1/min
Temperature RT
Movement types Glide, roll, roll
Slip 0%, 10%, 200% (reverse)
Friction conditions Solid state, boundary and mixed friction, elastohydrodynamics
Contact geometry Point, line contact
Measured variables Continuous friction torque measurement
Specimen Width 10 mm, Ø 40 – 65 mm
Sliding speed 0.1 to approx. 2.7 m/s

Exams

  • Characterization of the friction and wear behavior of materials and coatings
  • Investigation of rolling strength and fatigue strength of materials in lubricated and non-lubricated condition
  • Characterization of the friction and wear behavior of materials
  • Investigation of material and lubricant properties under rolling and antifriction stresses
  • Simulation of wheel/rail wear stress (driving surface) and curve area (tramway)
  • Testing the effectiveness of lubricating pins for railroad applications

Possible specimen geometries