A critical comparison of dynamometer data with pin-on-disc data for the same two friction material pairs – A case study

Friction and wear behavior of brake materials is often investigated using Pin-on-Disc (PoD) or dynamometer tests. Dynamometer tests reproduce the real braking conditions since they are carried out on real parts. whereas PoD tests are carried out using small pins, under constant sliding velocity and contact pressure. In the present technical note, the friction and wear behavior of two commercial friction materials, a low-met and a non-asbestos organic (NAO) material, dry sliding against a pearlitic cast iron counterface disc was investigated. The PoD tests were carried out at room temperature and at 300 °C; the dynamometer tests were conducted simulating urban braking conditions. The experimental data were compared and the main wear mechanisms were identified. The wear mechanisms observed with the PoD at room temperature turned out to be similar to those observed with the dynamometer tests. On the other hand, the PoD tests carried out at 300 °C revealed particular features in the friction layer that were not detected in the dynamometric tests. As far as the tribological data are concerned, the average friction coefficients recorded during the dynamometric tests were similar to the values recorded in the PoD tests, whereas the wear coefficients were one order of magnitude lower, most probably due to the limited area of contact of the pins.