Studies of Shannon Entropy Evolution due to Self-Organization During the Running-In

When frictional sliding is initiated, the coefficient of friction is often high during the initial transient running-in process. After that, the coefficient of friction reaches its stationary value. Running-in is interpreted as friction-induced self-organization stage in that two sliding surfaces adjust to each other due to surface roughness evolution. Shannon entropy was proposed as a surface roughness parameter, and its decrease can be used as a simple test for self-organization. Sliding experiments were conducted on the hard steel plate using a soft Al-Mg alloy pin under both dry and lubricated conditions. Based on the results of the surface profile evolution, obtained by an optical profilometer, during running-in, we discuss change of Shannon entropy for various surface textures. Various textures which are characterized in terms of roughness parameters were produced on the steel plates. We compare how self-organization occurs for different textures during running-in stage.