Development and Performance Evaluation of a Block-Stiffened Fretting Fixture for Accurate Load Transfer in Fretting Tests

Abstract

This study introduces a novel fretting fixture designed for fretting and full sliding tests, which minimizes recalibration and integrates multiple sensors for measuring contact tractions. The fixture features an additional “Z”-type supporting structure that enables horizontal chassis length adjustments and is compatible with various fatigue testing machines. Adjustable components, such as vertical stiffeners reinforced with rigid blocks, facilitate achieving the target Load Transfer Ratio (LTR) of 50%. The LTR can be adjusted by repositioning the rigid blocks using a bolt-nut assembly. The fretting tests are conducted with and without blocks attached to the vertical stiffeners. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and experimental methods are employed to ealuate the LTR, yielding results of 59–60% and 58–59%, respectively. Supported by FEA and experimental validation, the fixture demonstrates effectiveness and reliability for fretting studies. The stiffened fretting fixture is evaluated under higher normal loads and increased frequencies, showing a notable increase in the Q/P ratio. This increase highlights intensified surface interaction and pronounced tribological effects. © The Society for Experimental Mechanics, Inc 2025.