kuluminen

Kuluminen is a Finnish term describing gradual material loss or degradation due to repeated use, loading, or exposure to environmental factors. In Finnish, kuluminen is formed from the verb kulua, meaning to wear away or erode, and it is used to describe both natural processes and the deterioration of objects.

In geological and environmental contexts, kuluminen refers to weathering and erosion—the processes that remove or alter rock and soil through agents such as wind, water, ice, and biological activity. It encompasses the gradual reduction of material strength and changes in landscape over time.

In engineering and materials science, kuluminen covers wear and tear on machines, structures, and components. It includes mechanical wear from sliding contact (abrasion and adhesion), surface fatigue from cyclic loading, corrosion, and other deterioration mechanisms that remove material or degrade performance.

Common signs of kuluminen include surface scratches, pitting, increased roughness, noise, reduced efficiency, dimensional changes, and, in extreme cases, component failure. The rate and type of wear depend on material properties, operating conditions, lubrication, and environmental factors.

Mitigation strategies aim to slow or prevent kuluminen. These include selecting wear-resistant materials, applying protective coatings, using lubrication, optimizing design to minimize contact and loads, and implementing regular maintenance and monitoring to detect wear early. Measurement typically involves wear rate, weight loss, dimensional changes, or service life indicators, with field- and industry-specific standards guiding assessment.