An approximate generalized experimental model for dry sliding adhesive wear of some single-phase copper-base alloys

Dry sliding adhesive wear of some copper-base alloys (CuZn, CuAl, CuSn and CuNi) is studied with a typical experimental plan of simultaneous variation of load and sliding speed in a selected range. Experimental response data is analyzed by formulating dimensional equations. The condition of plastic instability is considered as the criterion to evaluate the wear. The approach known as experimentation methodology is adopted to provide a new tool for material characterization for wear behaviour in practical situations. The sensitivity of the alloy systems to wear rate changes is analysed. The concept of a space curve is proposed for a relationship between dimensional constants that emerge from this study and Archard's wear constant. The approximate generalized experimental model proposed through this attempt helps in quantifying the combined and interactive effect of several significant parameters on the wear phenomenon.