Verschleißgesetz

Verschleißgesetz refers to empirical or semi-empirical models that describe the rate of wear of materials, typically under frictional contact. These laws aim to predict how much material will be removed from a surface over time or with a certain amount of sliding distance.

The most well-known among these is Archard's wear law, which states that the volume of wear (V) is proportional to the applied normal load (L), the sliding distance (d), and inversely proportional to the hardness of the softer material (H). Mathematically, it is often expressed as V = k * (L*d)/H, where k is a dimensionless wear coefficient that depends on the specific materials and the contact conditions.

Verschleißgesetz are widely used in engineering to estimate the lifespan of components subjected to wear, such as bearings, gears, and brake pads. They are particularly useful in the initial design stages for comparing different material pairs and optimizing operating conditions to minimize wear.

However, it is important to recognize that these laws are simplifications of a complex phenomenon. Real-world wear processes can be influenced by numerous factors not explicitly included in simple wear laws, such as surface roughness, temperature, lubrication, the presence of contaminants, and the specific mechanism of wear (e.g., abrasive, adhesive, fatigue, or corrosive wear). Therefore, while Verschleißgesetz provide valuable insights, their predictions should be validated through experimental testing and consider the specific application context. Despite their limitations, they remain fundamental tools for understanding and mitigating wear in mechanical systems.