6 - Wear by hard particles

Abstract

Wear processes involving hard particles can involve abrasion (in which the particles slide or roll over the surface) or erosion (which involves particle impact). The chapter considers the role of particle properties in these processes: hardness, shape and size. It then discusses abrasive wear in detail, starting with simple models for wear by plastic deformation and by brittle fracture. These are followed by consideration of the abrasive wear of a wide range of engineering materials, the effects of environment and lubrication, and combined abrasion and corrosion. Laboratory test methods are reviewed. The treatment of erosive wear is similar: presentation of models for erosion by plastic and fracture-based mechanisms, discussion of the erosion of engineering materials and testing methods.