An Abrasive Wear Model of Fractal Surfaces Based on the Slip–Line Theory of Plasticity

A generalized abrasive wear model of a three-dimensional rough (fractal) surface sliding against a relatively softer material is presented. The model is based on a slip-line field of a rigid spherical asperity (or spherical wear particle) that plows through a soft surface, resulting in material removal by a microcutting process. The analysis yields a relationship of the abrasive wear coefficient in terms of the interfacial adhesion characteristics of the interacting surfaces, topography (fractal) parameters, elastic-plastic material properties, and applied normal load. Numerical results illustrate the effects of surface roughness and interfacial adhesion (lubrication effect) on the abrasive wear coefficient of fractal surfaces.