4. Glossary

Abrasion; abrasion

Mechanical loss of material on a microscopic scale by a solid A under the action of one or more harder solid bodies B applied against its surface with a normal force and moving at a tangent velocity to the surface of A. Material is removed in the form of small particles, either by micro-machining or mechanical fatigue. Abrasion occurs in two main areas:

• machining of materials, where material is removed from a workpiece (A) to change its shape and/or reduce its roughness and form deviations, using ceramic abrasive grains which may or may not be attached to a support (grinding wheel, belt, etc.) (grinding, grinding, etc.);

• friction between two parts, where it represents one of the main wear mechanisms. Abrasion can result from the action of asperities on the opposing part and/or...