Mechanism-based modeling of friction and wear

Equations for ''predicting'' friction and wear that product design engineers can readily apply require new methods to develop. These include the following. 1. The planned cooperation of several technical disciplines. 2. The selection of a well studied system. 3. Parametric equations (models) for the observed friction or wear behavior, including all variables known by an interdisciplinary group. 4. Data that cover a wide range (e.g. several decades) of most relevant variables. 5. Methods for adjusting parameters in the models to closely match the data. The results of three research efforts are discussed in terms of the prospects for developing equations either by curve fitting the data or by describing underlying phenomena involved in the sliding process. Finally, possible contributions of several technical disciplines toward modeling the conditions for scuff prevention are suggested.