The resistance of materials to abrasive wear depends on many factors t
hat can be generally classified as material-based or operating system-
based. In the published wear models, the bulk stress state or stress h
istory of worn material do not appear as influencing factors. Followin
g the analogy with stress corrosion and fatigue, as well as with cycli
c softening of steel materials, the possible influence of bulk stress
state and stress history on abrasive wear of steels has been examined.
Preliminary experiments were carried out using a scratch tester with
a diamond indenter. Hypoeutectoid steel specimens were bent to obtain
tensile or compressive stress and then scratched in situ under a norma
l load of 25-40 N. The results of the screening experiments indicate t
hat the depth of grooves and the wear mechanism differ, depending on w
hether the specimens are under tension or compression. Tensile stress
favours micro-cutting, while a compressive state apparently maintains
microploughing. The pilot experiments, conducted with a hypereutectoid
steel, indicate (with a confidence 80%) the significant influence of
stress history, i.e. cyclic stressing, on abrasive wear. Further analy
ses, combined with detailed observation using scanning electron micros
copy, have allowed discussion and explanation of these phenomena.