Fractal and spectral analysis of aggregate surface profile in polishing process

Studies are conducted to the characterization of the aggregate-surface texture in polishing process by fractal and spectral approaches based on rubber friction theory. The Wehner/Schulze (W/S) polishing machine is adopted to simulate the vehicle tyre polishing action. The commonly used aggregates in wearing courses named basalt, gabbros and greywacke are investigated. The surface profile texture and dynamic friction coefficient were monitored in polishing process. The dynamic friction coefficient was observed to reach a stable equilibrium phase after a sharp decrease at the initial polishing stage and the friction evolution in W/S polishing process can be described with power law. Fractal analysis reveals that the changes of amplitude and curve length of the profiles are the main contribution to the loss of friction. Spectral analysis reveals that the polishing action plays an important role in the changes of micro-texture. It can be concluded that the evolution of friction of the aggregates is primarily governed by micro-texture changes due to differential removal of mineral components.