WEAR PREDICTION FOR METALS

In spite of the large number of wear models found in the literature, n o model can predict metal wear a priori based only on materials proper ty data and contact information. The complexity of wear and the large number of parameters affecting the outcome are the primary reasons for this situation. This paper summarizes the current understanding of we ar modelling for metals. Several recent approaches such as wear mappin g and wear transition diagrams have suggested some future possible dir ections for improvement. Some success has been achieved in describing severe wear of steels under unlubricated conditions using thermomechan ical approaches. However, modelling of mild wear remains problematic, especially under lubricated conditions. In mild wear, asperity contact events dominate the wear processes. A single asperity collision simul ation apparatus has been used to study asperity-asperity contact pheno mena. Shear strain and strain accumulation were found to be the domina nt underlying causes for wear. It is proposed that future research in wear prediction for metals incorporate the following aspects: wear map ping, temperature, shear strain response, boundary lubricating film st rength, and surface roughness. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.