Evolution of adhesive wear and friction in elastic-plastic spherical contact

A finite element (FE) model is presented for the evolution of fracture and friction in elastic-plastic adhesive spherical contact. The model is based on a realistic criterion of ductile fracture in a three-dimensional contact problem and the failed elements are deleted. Full stick contact condition is used at the contact interface to model a strong adhesion there. Fracture evolution is presented allowing the process of material removal in the form of a wear particle. The evolution of friction with increasing tangential loading as well as sliding inception are presented. Predicted wear coefficient and static and dynamic friction coefficients are compared with experimental results and possible reasons for discrepancies between the predicted and experimental results are discussed.

Automated summary

A finite element model is proposed for the evolution of fracture and friction in elastic-plastic adhesive spherical contact based on a realistic criterion of ductile fracture. The model utilizes full stick contact condition to simulate strong adhesion, and presents fracture evolution with material removal in the form of wear particles. Predicted wear coefficient and friction coefficients are compared with experimental results, discussing possible reasons for discrepancies.