Which of the following is a common wear mechanism?

Abrasive wear is recognized as a common wear mechanism that occurs when hard particles or rough surfaces slide over softer materials, leading to the removal of material from the surface. This type of wear can result from two main processes: adhesion, where material bonds at low pressures due to surface contact, and abrasion, which usually involves hard particles trapped between two surfaces. The impact of these particles can create scratches and grooves, subsequently compromising the functionality and longevity of components.

Understanding abrasive wear is crucial for reliability engineers, as it frequently occurs in applications involving moving parts, such as bearings, gears, and seals, where they experience relative motion and can be exposed to contaminants or hard particles. By recognizing the conditions that lead to this wear mechanism, effective preventive measures can be applied, such as implementing better material selections, lubricants, or maintenance protocols to mitigate wear and extend the life of the equipment.