On Some Tribological Effects of Graphite Nodules in Belt Grinding of SG Cast Iron: Finite Element Analysis and Experimental Verification

In this paper a 2D micromechanical model with two phases of elasto-plastic graphite and elasto-plastic matrix was developed to simulate the abrasive wear behaviour of ductile iron. The matrix elastic modulus is degraded once the ultimate strength is reached. The graphite phase was found to be worn rapidly on surface and seriously deformed beneath the worn surface. A number of cracks initiated at the graphite-matrix boundaries were also found on the subsurface. The finite element results were then compared with experimental results. They showed that different wear mechanisms occurred as a function of the attack angle of a single grit and the applied load. Severe wear caused plastic flow and material removal occurred by microcutting and microploughin.