Oberflächenplastizität

Oberflächenplastizität refers to the plastic deformation that occurs specifically at the surface of a material. Unlike bulk plasticity which affects the entire volume of a material, surface plasticity is confined to a thin layer near the exposed surface. This phenomenon is significant in applications where surface properties are critical, such as wear, fatigue, and tribology.

The mechanisms of surface plasticity can be influenced by several factors, including surface preparation, the presence of surface layers (like oxides or coatings), and the applied stress state, which can be different at the surface due to stress concentrations or residual stresses. Surface plasticity can be induced by various processes, such as indentation, scratching, or abrasive wear. It can also arise from cyclic loading, leading to surface fatigue mechanisms.

Understanding and controlling surface plasticity is crucial for tailoring the performance and lifespan of components. For instance, in tribological contacts, surface plasticity can influence friction and wear rates. In some cases, controlled surface plastic deformation, such as through shot peening or roller burnishing, is intentionally employed to improve surface properties like hardness and fatigue resistance by inducing beneficial residual stresses. Conversely, unintentional surface plasticity can lead to unwanted surface damage and failure. Research in this area often involves advanced surface characterization techniques and modeling to investigate the localized deformation behavior.