Frequency analysis and modeling of charged-particle triboemission from ceramics

The triboemission of charged particles during sliding contact is one measurable but often neglected output during wear of ceramics. Previous research work by the authors suggested that some boundary-lubricant reactions may be initiated and controlled by triboemitted electrons, but the origin and mechanisms of the triboemission phenomena remain largely unknown. The authors used a new tribometer, whose features and capabilities were previously reported, to measure electron triboemission outputs from the sliding contacts of diamond-on-ceramics and other material systems under vacuum. Characterizations were previously presented in the time-domain for those outputs.