Influence of particle fracture in the high-stress and low-stress abrasive wear of steel

摘要

High- and low-stress abrasive wear tests have been carried out against steel and rubber wheels, with mild steel specimens and silica sand abrasive particles 125-150 and 425-500 mum in size. The effects of particle shape and applied load on wear rate, surface damage morphology and the extent of particle fracture were studied. Fracture of the abrasive particles occurred over a wide range of test conditions and had a marked effect on the wear process. The extent of fracture correlated with the magnitude of the wear rate, and when particle fracture was extensive, it masked the influence of initial particle shape. Under most test conditions, the mechanism of material removal involved multiple plastic indentation by abrasive particles rolling through the contact region.