Asymptotic modeling of reciprocating sliding wear - Comparison with finite-element simulations

The paper presents asymptotic modeling of reciprocating sliding wear with increasing contact zone under a prescribed constant normal load. The wear contact problem is formulated within the framework of the two-dimensional theory of elasticity in conjunction with Archard's law of wear. It is shown that the asymptotic modeling approach, which maintains the experimentally-related feature of contact pressure in the steady-state regime, leads to simple but sufficiently accurate analytical approximations. In particular, simple closed-form approximations are derived for the planimetric wear, half-width of contact zone, and wear scar profiles. The obtained analytical results have been compared with finite-element simulation results published in the literature, and a good correlation was revealed between the analytically predicted and numerically simulated worn profiles in the case of fretting when there is no stick zone between the contacting surfaces. (C) 2001 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.