TRIBOLOGY OF SI-BASED CERAMICS - WEAR MECHANISMS

The wear mechanisms of Si-based ceramics are examined in terms of spee d and load. The results are presented in wear maps which reveal differ ent regimes of wear. This paper examines the effects of normal force a nd shear force on Si-based ceramic wear in the different wear regimes. In the mild wear regime, the wear processes are dominated by microabr asion and subsurface cracks. The severe wear regime is dominated by mi crofracture and tensile cracks on the surface. At still higher loads, surface cracks and gross fracture occur. The presence and the effects of third-body particles on the wear mechanisms are also discussed.