Wear process description based on acoustic emission

Since acoustic emissions are generated by fundamental mechanical processes, they can provide insight into the basic processes which determine friction and wear behavior. Descriptions of acoustic emission generated by plastic deformation and fracture were developed, and wear tests were performed, during which acoustic emission activity was measured. This work demonstrates that acoustic emissions can be used to track the wear process in terms of the energy dissipation mechanisms acting. The results show that acoustic emission count rate and amplitude distribution correspond to wear rate and that the amplitude distribution also indicates the active processes contributing to wear.