Role of Minimum Adhesive Wear Particle Size in Third-Body Layer Properties

Abstract We employ a novel discrete element method (DEM) force formulation to simulate adhesive wear and assess the effects of material loading parameters on properties third-body layer (TBL) formed during sliding motion. The study emphasizes role material’s critical length scale $$d^{*}$$ d ∗ in rheology TBL. This is already known for controlling size smallest particles. observe emergence several regimes involving particle creation aggregation, with limited effect from TBL properties. Instead, strength surface energy have profound influence. opens up new avenues exploration larger systems, three-dimensional setups, other conditions.