An analysis of wear processes of materials based on variational methods

Abstract

This contribution describes differential formulations and variational settings for abrasive wear processes of materials by including a micropolar layer of wear debris between contacting solids and an evolution of a clearance gap during the wear process. Continuum-based models of wear debris describe supply, circulation and ejection of particles from a contact interface. Finite-element-method equations (equilibrium, heat conduction and mass continuity) for wearing out solids and the wear debris layer have been derived from the variational principles.