Triboinformatics Approach for Friction and Wear Prediction of Al-Graphite Composites Using Machine Learning Methods

Data-driven analysis and machine learning (ML) algorithms can offer novel insights into tribological phenomena by establishing correlations between material and tribological properties. We developed ML algorithms using tribological data available in the literature for predicting the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear-rate of self-lubricating aluminum graphite (Al/Gr) composites. We collected data on effects of material variables (graphite content, hardness, ductility, yield strength, silicon carbide content, and tensile strength), processing procedure, heat treatment and tribological test variables (normal load, sliding speed, and sliding distance) on tribological properties and established two-parameter relationships. These data are analyzed using several ML algorithms: artificial neural network (ANN), K nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), gradient boosting machine (GBM), and random forest (RF). The trained ML models can predict the tribological behavior from material variables and test conditions, beyond what is possible from two-parameter correlations. GBM outperformed other ML algorithms in predicting friction behavior, while RF had the best prediction of the wear behavior. ML analysis identified graphite content and hardness and as the most significant variables in predicting the COF, while graphite content and sliding speed were the most dominant variables for wear-rates.