Wear mode diagram in lubricated sliding friction of carbon steel

The predominant wear mechanisms of 0.45 wt.% C steel were studied as a function of contact pressure and sliding velocity in thin-film-lubricated sliding under conditions of concentrated contact with a hard chromium steel ball. Flow wear, abrasive wear (ploughing) and adhesive wear were found. These mechanisms were plotted in a wear mode diagram, representing the predominant wear mechanism as a function of the applied contact pressure and sliding velocity. Wear debris, generated in each region of the wear mode diagram, was observed using a ferrographic technique and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the shapes and sizes of wear debris depended strongly on the wear mechanism.