A Review of the Recent Literature on the Unlubricated Sliding Wear of Dissimilar Metals

Abstract

A survey is presented of recent theories of the wear which occurs when dissimilar unlubricated metals slide on one another. Such sliding wear is not only of practical importance, but is also of academic interest. The classical explanation for this form of wear, based on adhesion, has been questioned as improved experimental techniques have become available. In the present review, emphasis is placed on what is known as severe sliding wear and the state of present knowledge is summarized.