Analysis on transient micro-adhesive behavior at asperity contact

The transient micro-adhesive behavior at asperity contact is investigated by using the thermo-elasto-plastic finite element method. The plastic flow accompanied by locally high stresses and temperature rise are analyzed during the sliding contact of surface asperities. The effect of frictional work and plastic deformation work are evaluated. The results show that obviously plastic deformation is generated on the asperities due to the locally high stresses. The subsequently plastic dissipation and frictional heat lead to transient temperature rise, which in turn influents the plastic deformation at the asperity contact due to the thermal softening effect. At the given operational conditions, the temperature rise due to the plastic deformation work account for approximately 17%.