Machine learning-assisted analysis of dry and lubricated tribological properties of Al–Co–Cr–Fe–Ni high entropy alloy

This study marks a notable advancement in tribology by thoroughly investigating the tribological properties of a high-entropy alloy under both lubricated and dry conditions. The research encompasses a detailed evaluation of the alloy's wear behavior, utilizing a data-driven modeling approach that employs an evolutionary framework to build and validate a predictive model. The findings offer critical insights into the tribological performance of high-entropy alloys under diverse operational and lubrication conditions. Specifically, the Al–Co–Cr–Fe–Ni alloy exhibits exceptional tribological properties, with a coefficient of friction ranging from 0.0165 to 0.6024 and surface roughness between 0.261 and 1.11. A data-driven methodology was employed to develop a predictive model with an accuracy exceeding 94%, effectively capturing the precise trends in lubrication behavior and providing in-depth information on surface characteristics for future experimental endeavors and data extraction. Additionally, the study underscores the profound impact of lubricant chemical composition on the wear behavior of the alloy, highlighting the crucial importance of selecting appropriate lubricants for specific tribological applications.