Presentation Profile
Advanced Tribological Testing: Innovations in Testing Modern Lubricants Using the Four-Ball Method Standardized by ASTM
Currently Scheduled: 10/14/2026 - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Room: Exhibit Hall Entrance
Main Author
Raj Shah - Koehler Instrument Company, Inc.
- Abhinav Pagidi - Koehler Instrument Company, Inc.
- Gavin Cunningham - Koehler Instrument Company, Inc.
Abstract:
Electrified drivetrains expose lubricants and bearing contacts to electrical as well as mechanical stress, creating conditions not represented by conventional tribology testing alone. This poster reviews the ASTM D4172 four-ball method as a mechanical wear baseline and examines a published research modification that applies direct current during four-ball testing to study electrically influenced lubricant behavior. Under the cited ASTM D4172 condition, testing was conducted at 1,200 rpm for 60 minutes at 75 °C under a 392 N (40 kgf) load. The reported 0 A and 3 A results indicate an approximate 7–20% increase in wear-scar diameter, calculated from the published chart rather than generated as new experimental data. The comparison demonstrates the need for validated electrified-tribology methods when evaluating lubricants for electric-vehicle applications.
