Prediction of Failure Transitions in Sliding Contacts by a Thermomechanical Wear Model

Abstract

A wear equation in general form is offered by which the transition between mild wear and severe wear is identified. This wear criteria equation is governed by three nondimensional parameters: Fo, CT, and Gt, which are measures of time, material property dependence on temperature, and thermal stress intensity, respectively. From this equation, wear maps are constructed. Along with results from Hertzian contact theory, the wear criteria equation and wear map can be used for design guidance. As an example, AISI 52100 steel is examined by comparing calculated data, based on a thermomechanical wear model, with experimental results of sliding contacts. The critical temperatures at which thermomechanical wear can occur are also calculated.