Correlation of high frequency QCM sphere-plate stiffness measurements with macroscopic frictional contacts in thin film and bulk stainless steel materials

•The microscale response of a QCM to rubbing contacts is analyzed with 2 models to infer macroscale friction coefficients μ.•Values for μ obtained from the models agree well with macroscale measurements when the dependence on QCM amplitude is utilized.•Overall, the results validate the combination of assumptions employed in the analysis methods.•The results support the analysis methods as a viable means for linkage of macro and nanoscale tribological measurements.