SOME COMMENTS ON THE INTERPRETATION OF THE TRIBOLOGICAL WEAR COEFFICIENT

Abstract

An original model of tribological wear is presented, an alternative to the commonly used J.F. Archard’s model. The impossibility is established of a full conversion of mechanical work into the heat of dissipation and thereby of avoiding wear in the sliding friction of solids. The assumption is consequently questioned that only some contacts of surface asperities are subject to temporary wear. Material wastage is assumed to occur at each contact of asperities. The volume of worn material is dependent on the volumetric wear coefficient of the “energy dissipation zone” in friction. The dimensions of the zone are determined in both the elements in friction. Linear wear intensities and volumetric wear are described in analytical terms. The thermodynamic analysis of the tribological process indicates some limitations to these intensities. Energetic efficiencies of solid wear and heating as a result of friction are defined. Some new interpretations of the wear coefficient are proposed.