Approche thermodynamique des phénomènes liés à l'usure de contact

This paper proposes a theoretical framework for the study of contact-wear. Wear phenomena due to contact and relative motion between two solids are characterized by a loss of material. The detached particles as well as damaged contact areas of the solids form an interface with complex mechanical properties. Using an analysis of the dissipation in this interface, an energy release rate and then a wear criterion are defined. This dissipation associated with loss of material will be called wear dissipation. An application to steady-state wear processes is then given.