A finite element model study on wear resistance of pseudoelastic TiNi alloy

The deformation and crack initiation of a wearing surface during sliding abrasion were studied using a finite element model. As finished surfaces consist of asperities, when two surfaces come into contact; normal and tangential loads are transmitted through interacting asperities. The damage and removal of materials during the wear process are therefore a consequence of the asperity interaction. A finite element model was employed to investigate such a situation of asperity interaction, with the emphasis on the plastic deformation in the contact region and its accumulation, which resulted in eventual cracking. The finite element model was applied to the contact deformation in paseudoelastic TiNi alloy, with a comparison to 304 stainless steel. The plastic strain and thus the life of an asperity before cracking were analyzed. It was demonstrated that the pasedoelasticity is greatly beneficial to the wear resistance of TiNi alloy due to the reduction of accumulated plastic strain.