Calculation of Wear of Metallic Surfaces Using Material’s Fatigue Model and 3D Texture Parameters

Today, when it comes to manufacturing parts and components for various mechanisms, the tendency is to use both approaches – the latest technologies and new material combinations- to achieve a longer product's lifetime. That is why the issue of machine parts' working capacity criteria, one of the most important of which is wear and its prediction, remains vitally important. Having studied the prediction theories of the wear process that have been developed over time, one can state that each has shortcomings that might strongly impair the results, thus making unnecessary theoretical calculations. Also, predicting wear based on lengthy, time-consuming, costly experiments is still prevalent. The article discusses a new wear calculation model, which is based on the application of theories from several branches of science. This model considers the surface texture (3D) parameters' values in modelling the surface's micro-topography with the random field theory while the friction surfaces' destruction – with the fatigue theory. The new wear calculation model is synthesised based on a developed friction surface contact model, providing a more complete surface description, which is essential for wear calculation and gives more accurate results. The proposed new wear calculation formula includes parameters that can be easily determined using modern measurement methods, thus speeding up the product design process and significantly contributing to sustainable development. Experimental studies on the steel-bronze sliding friction pair validated the analytical wear calculations' results.