Computational investigation of microstructural effects on abrasive wear of composite materials

Microstructure largely influences the wear behaviour of a composite material. When abraded by abrasive particles, the reinforcement volume fraction, size and its distribution play important roles in resisting abrasive wear. In the present study, the above-mentioned factors, especially the effect of the size distribution of reinforcing particles in a composite on wear, were computationally investigated. Furthermore, the effects of abrasive size and the ratio of the abrasive size to that of the reinforcement particles were also studied. Mechanisms responsible for the microstructural effects on abrasive wear of composite materials are discussed.