Positron Microscopy Studies of Wear Tracks on a Copper Surface

Positron microscopy was used for studies of defects induced by ball indentation or sliding on the surface of well-annealed copper samples. A focused positron beam of 24.5-keV energy was used to scan the deformed region of the indenter impression, and measurements of the annihilation line parameter were performed. In the case of ball indentation, the measured defect distribution correlates well with the von Mises stress distribution of the Hertz contact and the von Mises yield criterion. For the wear track produced by pin on disc dry sliding, an asymmetric defect distribution near the wear track is observed. It indicates the presence of a tangential force that additionally deforms the sample.