SIMULATION OF SURFACE FLAW PROPAGATION ASSOCIATED WITH THE MECHANICALFATIGUE WEAR OF ELASTOMERS

Employing a moving template finite element strategy, a simulation sche me was developed to model the surface flaw propagation process associa ted with the mechanical fatigue wear of elastomer surfaces. Special em phasis was given to (1) experimentally establish the potential existen ce of precursor flaws on the surface of unworn and worn molded rubber products; (2) determine the trajectory of propagation of surface crack s and their effects on particle removal; (3) establish the influence o f size and orientation of initial flaws; and (4) determine the effects of the various phases of the asperity-flaw passing process. These var ious issues are described in a series of parametric sensitivity studie s.