Experimental techniques for the assessment of temperatures attained by sliding surfaces

Research has indicated that surface temperature is of prime importance in determining the behaviour of materials suitable for use in sliding bearings. Consequently, some assessment of the surface temperature developed is desirable in many investigations of the tribological properties of a combination of materials and environment. This report outlines the experimental techniques available for measuring surface temperature, several of which, though developed basically as research tools, are suitable for routine testing. The capabilities and limitations of each method are discussed and, in deciding the most convenient method to use, in practice must be jointly considered with the type of temperature variation which is to be expected.