Frictional Properties of a Surface Covered With Soft Metal Film (Interference Effect of Soft Metal Film Deformation Between Two Protuberances)
The frictional characteristic is examined with reference to a model considering the interference effect of plastic flow (deformation) in soft metal film, when a two-protuberance indentor is slid on a surface covered by electroplated soft metal film. The result is compared with that of a single-protuberance indentor. The coefficient of friction in a two-protuberance indentor, where the interference effect exists, is lower than in a single-protuberance indentor, where the interference effect does not. This fact can well be explained with the configuration of plastic flow line on protuberances described by deforming soft metal film, and the corresponding contact pressure distribution between protuberances and a surface.