Experimental measurements of surface temperatures produced during dry sliding contact were made by using an advanced infrared microscope which receives radiation from a very small target area e.g., 1.78 x 10⁻⁵m in diameter for a 36X objective, allowing temperature measurements within a general region of contact.

The sliding system consisted of an Armco iron pin, with a hemispherical end loaded against a rotating sapphire disk. A statistical study was made concerning the effect of environment, load, and velocity on temperature, wear, and coefficient of friction.

The formation of iron oxides and its influence on emissivity and possible correlation with wear and friction is discussed.

Comparison between the experimental results and the flash temperature theories by both Jaeger and Archard is made.