Changes of surface topography during wear for surfaces with different height distributions

Surface topography is one of the leading factors affecting wear processes. This study investigated topographical changes of mechanical components with non-Gaussian surfaces under sliding wear. The Johnson translatory system of distributions was applied to describe different surface height distributions. A wear model that has been experimentally confirmed for sliding wear was used to describe changes of surface heights. Based on different wear particle size distributions generated during wear, variations of surface height distribution were investigated. Relationships between topographical change and original surfaces were established. Finally, the results predicted were compared with the results using a truncation wear model.