Role of minimum adhesive wear particle size in third-body layer properties

S. Pham-Ba & J.-F. Molinari
Tribology Letters
Published 27 July 2023
Selected as Best from STLE’s Research Community (Tribology & Lubrication Technology magazine, Nov. 2023)

See full text (at publisher)

Abstract

We employ a novel discrete element method (DEM) force formulation to simulate adhesive wear and assess the effects of material and loading parameters on the properties of the third-body layer (TBL) formed during sliding motion. The study emphasizes the role of a material’s critical length scale $d^{\ast }$ in the rheology of the TBL. This critical length scale is already known for controlling the size of smallest wear particles. We observe the emergence of a several wear regimes involving wear particle creation and aggregation, with limited effect from $d^{\ast }$ on TBL properties. Instead, material strength and surface energy have a profound influence. This study opens up new avenues for exploration of larger systems, three-dimensional setups, and other loading conditions.

Keywords: adhesive wear, third-body layer, discrete element method