In every tribological application, the extent of damage or surface deterior
ation is of interest. There are several methods of evaluating the wear volu
me/loss, which can be roughly classified into weighing, topographical analy
sis, and 2D analysis by means of empirical equations. In tribological resea
rch where many specimens need to be analysed, a simple and fast procedure i
s desirable for wear volume/loss determination. Methods with time-consuming
specimen preparation or measuring procedures are not appropriate in these
cases. Sometimes, this is accompanied by very low wear volumes/losses, as i
s the case in most. fretting experiments, which also limits the adequacy of
some methods. The use of empirical equations is by far the easiest, fastes
t and cheapest way to obtain the wear volume in a tribological test, but it
has one major disadvantage, i.e., its accuracy may be poor. In this paper
we compare calculated values from three different equations with stylus-tip
profilometry determination of wear volume, based on the results of a compr
ehensive study of fretting wear of steel and ceramics. The effect of differ
ent material combinations, amplitude of oscillation, size of the wear scar
and lubrication on the accuracy of these equations is presented. Justificat
ion for the use of 2D analysis in terms of empirical equations in research
with many specimens used and low-extent wear is discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevie
r Science S.A. All rights reserved.