Mathematical Model to Evaluate Wear Rate of Graphite as Sealing Materials

The dry sliding wear behavior of graphite (HK-6) that is used as the sealing material to cut off hot gas was evaluated as a function of applied load, sliding speed and temperature. The reciprocating wear tests were carried out at room temperature and elevated temperatures. An attempt has been made to develop a mathematical model by response surface methodology (RSM) and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique was applied to confirm the validity of the developed model. Also, the effect of applied load, sliding speed and temperature on wear the behavior of graphite was investigated. The wear mechanism was compared through the observation of the worn surface by SEM analysis. The specific wear rate was dependent on the interaction between temperature, applied load and sliding speed. A developed model can be used to effectively predict the specific wear rate of graphite as a sealing material within the range of variables studied.