Volumeslijtage

Volumeslijtage is a Dutch term used in tribology to describe volumetric wear: the removal of material from a solid surface in sliding contact, expressed as a loss of volume rather than only surface roughening. In Dutch engineering literature the concept emphasizes the actual amount of material displaced or removed, often quantified in cubic millimeters, and is frequently discussed in relation to wear models such as Archard’s law: V = k · (F · s) / H, where V is the volume removed, F is the normal load, s is the sliding distance, H is the hardness of the softer material, and k is a wear coefficient dependent on materials and lubrication.

Context and mechanisms: Volumeslijtage covers abrasive, adhesive, and fatigue-related wear that results in material loss within sliding interfaces. It is relevant for machine elements such as bearings, gears, pistons, seals, and other components with relative motion. The extent of wear depends on factors including load, speed, temperature, lubrication regime, surface roughness, material pairing, and environmental conditions such as debris or corrosion.

Measurement and reporting: Volume loss can be estimated from weight loss (converted to volume via material density) or measured directly with 3D profilometry, optical scanning, or micro-CT to determine the removed volume and its distribution.

Prevention and control: Reduce wear by improving lubrication, selecting compatible or harder materials, applying coatings or surface treatments, ensuring proper alignment and finishing, and operating within appropriate load and temperature ranges.

See also: wear, tribology, Archard’s law, material science, mechanical engineering.