Triple disc machine for researching rolling contact fatigue ( RCF ) failure mechanisms in the form of micro and macro pitting under lubricated and unlubricated conditions.

The MPR is a computer controlled three-contact disc instrument in which there are three ‘counterface’ rings of equal diameter positioned apart with a smaller diameter roller located in the middle and in contact with all the rings. This arrangement allows the test roller to be subjected to a large number of rolling contact cycles in a short period of time.

The MPR is specifically designed to investigate rolling contact fatigue at realistic contact pressures. The test data plays an integral role in the development of new formulations, coatings and materials to enhance the tribology properties of systems.

Likewise, it is extensively used to study a range of failure mechanism observed in real world applications and as a screener test for current lubricant formulations, ensuring that it is fit for the purpose.

The MPR main features :-

• a fully automated, easy to calibrate, intuitive software, improves repeatability, and ease of use
• significantly increasing test throughput, up to 1 million contact cycles per hour
• has two independently driven motors, allows any slide-to-roll ratio and a wide range of speeds to be set, expanding the instruments testing capabilities
• is compact and mobile, can be relocated with ease to accommodate lab requirements
• temperature controlled test chamber that further expands testing capabilities