Experimental and numerical analysis of friction and wear behavior of polycarbonate

Static and kinetic contact of a steel ball against a polycarbonate half-pla ne was experimentally examined to study its friction and wear behavior. Cha nges in friction were correlated with the apparent wear volume. The finite element method, using a physically based visco-plastic constitutive model, simulated the initial stage of sliding contact through indentation, sliding and unloading stages. Detailed deformation history was examined to underst and the friction and wear mechanisms for the glassy polymeric material. The experimental and numerical results correlated well, qualitatively, in the coefficient of friction and the deformed surface profile. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.