3D simulation of dry friction of metal-based composites

Abstract

A numerical 3D model of friction at mesoscale of the contact patch between steel samples and composite steel samples with carbon nanoinclusions has been developed based on the movable cellular automaton method. The response function of automata simulating steel corresponds to an elastic-plastic body with linear hardening, and the function for simulating carbon corresponds to an elastic-plastic body with bilinear hardening. Von Mises criterion is used for breaking bonds between the automata, and the criterion based on plastic heat is used for coupling the automata. The values of basic parameters of the model, as well as the loading conditions, that allow the formation of the characteristic quasi-liquid layer in the friction zone are determined. It was shown that the presence of carbon nanoinclusions in the contact region leads to decreasing of the coefficient of friction, lower values of stress, and higher shear strain in the friction zone.