Experimental and theoretical study of the rubbing process of epoxy composites against steel

Abstract In this study, the tribological behavior of epoxy composites was experimentally studied and analytically modeled using finite element techniques. Wear test and modeling were carried out for pin-on-disk configuration and under identical boundary and test conditions. The tribological elements consisted of Al2O3 filled epoxy composite pin and a steel disk. The tribological system was modeled two-dimensionally and a quasi-static analysis was performed. The wear amount and the developed stresses during the rubbing process were predicted and compared with the experimentally determined results. A good correlation between the experimental and analytical results were observed.