How to run the Experimental Procedure

Follow steps as per Wear Tester -> Preparation of Specimen -> How to Prepare Specimen

Obtain necessary readings before start of experiment such as:

1. Weight of ball specimen

2. Images of ball specimen, before and after cleaning

3. Images of disc specimen after cleaning

Turn on the 5 main power supply that connects to:

Motor (MAC 800)

NI cDAQ - 9174 USB Chassis

5V PSU

24V PSU

USB Hub

Go to My Computer -> (C:) -> Program Files -> Tribometer_Start-Up.vi

Click on the white arrow as shown to run the program

Secure the disc specimen to the disc-holder with strong double sided tapes

If tool steel plate is used, secure plate to disc-holder with s3 allen key on M4 screws

Adjust X-translation stage to required displacement to ensure ball specimen runs only on disc specimen

Input parameter in 'Production Test' user interface

Fill in required experimental input parameters in 'Production Test' user interface. Especially (specific to experiments):

Slotted mass (in kg)

Distance

X (Displacement in mm)

Specimen type (Ball/Pin)

Slowly place ball/pin specimen in contact with disc. Make sure ball specimen is placed right on top of disc

Now, adjust the lab-jack knob, while taking note of the inclinometer reading (in deg) on the 'Production Test' page, to as close to 0 degree as possible

Next, lock the lab-jack and place the cantilever back on the actuator step.

Click on 'Test Panel'

Ensure there is clearance between the cantilever and the load cell before clicking on 'Start'

Once the equipment runs the full distance as stated in 'Production Test' page, the actuator will move the cantilever away from the disc and the motor will subsequently stop running

Recorded data will be stored in the following location: C:\Program Files (x86)\National Instruments\LABVIEW 2012\Tribometer_testlog