Which of the following components is most susceptible to adhesive wear?

Adhesive wear typically occurs when surfaces slide against each other, leading to the transfer of material from one surface to another due to the microscopic welding of material. In the context of the components listed, rolling element bearings are particularly susceptible to adhesive wear because they rely on the rolling motion of elements (like balls or rollers) against the raceway surfaces.

The high pressures and loads in rolling element bearings can create conditions where adhesive wear occurs, especially if lubrication is inadequate or if contaminants are present. The metal-to-metal contact in these bearing components, combined with the shear force from motion, makes them prime candidates for adhesive wear.

Gears, while experiencing wear as well, typically face different wear mechanisms such as pitting or fatigue, which are more related to the tooth geometry and load distribution. Seal rings, on the other hand, are designed to create a barrier and usually do not have the same sliding contact characteristics as rolling element bearings. Cooling fins are not in contact with each other in a manner that would expose them to adhesive wear, as their function is primarily thermal management.

Therefore, rolling element bearings stand out as the component most susceptible to adhesive wear due to their operational mechanics and the conditions under which they function.