Modelling Friction and Abrasive Wear of Elastomers

In order to properly model the friction and wear of elastomer materials, it is essential to understand some specific mechanical and tribological features. Mechanical characteristics of elastomer materials are different from those of metals and other relatively hard materials. Elastomers can bear large deformations, the stress-strain curves are non-linear, time and temperature dependent. When the elastomer is deformed, a part of the strain energy is dissipated. This feature makes the elastomer parts fulfil damping functions. The contact mechanical aspects of elastomers are also important for modelling. When an elastomer part is pressed against a counter-surface, the contact area would be larger than that estimated by the Hertzian theory, because of the effect of adhesion [1]. For the same reason, when the elastomer is contacting a rough surface, the real area of contact would be bigger than it is common for harder materials, as the elastomer tends to fill the valleys of the rough surface.