Theoretical approach to the structural and mathematical model of elastomer wear under contact-dynamic loading

The studies carried out made it possible to obtain a structural model of the destruction of elastomers, which explains the wear of elastomers by single acts of destruction with the accumulation of excess energy in individual molecular chains due to the unevenness of its distribution in the surface layer under external loading. This idea underlies the process of wear of elastomers by the stream of solid particles, which create a special type of force loading, which can be called contact-dynamic. This approach made it possible to develop a mathematical model of wear, which is based on the concept of the absorbed energy density per unit volume of destruction of an elastomer in a stream of solid abrasive particles. It shows what fraction of the energy in the process of its transformation upon impact is used to destroy the internal structure of the elastomer, and how efficiently this energy is used, taking into account the physical and chemical processes activated by mechanical loading. This energy is compared with the critical energy density, which can be considered as a wear criterion. It shows what is the energy of the bonds that must be broken to separate the fragment of destruction. The tear energy associated with the specific breaking energy is taken as the basic physical and technical characteristics of the elastomer. The developed mathematical model shows how many times the critical density of destruction energy exceeds the actual density of absorbed energy for specific operating conditions. A structural model of the destruction of rubber during wear is proposed, and on its basis and the concept of the energy theory of wear, a mathematical model for predicting the magnitude of wear, taking into account the loading conditions.