Wear modelling: analytical, computational and mapping: a continuum mechanics approach

As a result of its widespread and pervasive economic consequences wear, the almost inevitable companion of friction, has been the subject of much scientific and empirical investigation; the literature is rich with ‘wear equations’ so that, on occasion, the practitioner can seem to have too much information rather than too little. Some guidance and reconciliation between analytical and computational models and empirical observations can be provided by plotting wear maps for specific materials so that the dominant wear mechanism for particular operating conditions can be established and some indication provided on probable wear performance. A challenge facing the research community is the production of a sound theoretical framework to underpin such design aids. However, because of the variety and complexity of the surface conditions it is not straightforward to relate tribological performance to more easily established material parameters. These difficulties are illustrated by looking at the models available for two particular classes of wear involving metallic materials—severe abrasive wear, when surface life is likely to be short, and lubricated mild wear when very much longer component histories can be anticipated. q 1999 Published by Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.