The influence of heterogeneous porosity on silicon nitride/steel wear in lubricated rolling contact

Heterogeneous porosity is detected on the surface and subsurface of hot isostatically pressed (HIPed) silicon nitride spherical rolling elements. The extent of the localised porosity accounts for an area of 6% of the rolling element surface and 4% of the material volume. An experimental investigation using a rotary tribometer is described to compare the lubricated rolling wear mechanisms and performance of HIPed silicon nitride with heterogeneous porosity defect in contact with steel. A brief review of previous investigations is presented. Localised porosity detection using white and violet light microscopy with post-test evaluation is described. Discussions, micro-hardness measurements and scanning electron microscopy illustrations are presented. Critical localised porosity size is evaluated from experimental results.