Thermomechanical coupling of rough contact asperities sliding at very high velocity

Abstract A model has been developed to study dry friction for a steel tribopair for a large range of sliding velocity. From the topology of two parts in contact, a true contact surface is defined as a set of asperities. Each adhesive junction is associated to a local heat source in the thermal problem that is solved by Green׳s function techniques. The mechanical problem is treated by considering the adiabatic shearing process of these asperities. The coupling of thermal and shearing effects is then performed by using a homogenisation approach. Outcomes, such as the average thermal response on the contact area, appear to be in good agreement with those of the literature. Velocity dependence of the heat flux distribution between parts in contact is highlighted. The temperature profile in both solids in contact, as well as the local shear stress field, is determined at any friction time.