Frictionless vs. Frictional Contact in Numerical Wear Predictions of Conformal and Non-conformal Sliding Couplings

Abstract The role of friction on wear evolution is manifold since it interplays with lubrication regime, nominal contact point, and pressure distribution. Nevertheless, in the literature many models simulate assuming frictionless conditions to simplify analyses. That assumption, physically not realistic, often appears as a contradiction, permitted numerical simulations where can be considered independent phenomena. This study aims validate assumption steady such common configurations, e.g. pin plate/pin disc. Wear was simulated according Archard law for both non-conformal conformal pin-on-plate pairs reciprocating motion, frictional conditions, varying coefficient f range 0–0.4. Finite Element were developed Ansys® implicit explicit kinematics. Results demonstrate that effect distribution worn profiles their negligible (differences lower than 0.05%). Thus, predicted using which allow extremely reduce computational costs represent limit FE simulations. Additionally, procedure kinematics compared one resulting valid computationally convenient, especially case contact.