Calculate material volume loss and specific wear rate (Archard's Equation).
Mass Loss:0.00 g
Volume Loss:0.00 mm³
Specific Wear Rate (k):0.00 E-6 mm³/(Nm)
function calculateWearRate() {
// 1. Get Input Values using var
var initialMass = parseFloat(document.getElementById('initialMass').value);
var finalMass = parseFloat(document.getElementById('finalMass').value);
var density = parseFloat(document.getElementById('density').value);
var load = parseFloat(document.getElementById('normalLoad').value);
var distance = parseFloat(document.getElementById('slidingDistance').value);
var errorDiv = document.getElementById('errorMsg');
var resultsDiv = document.getElementById('wear-results');
// 2. Validate Inputs
if (isNaN(initialMass) || isNaN(finalMass) || isNaN(density) || isNaN(load) || isNaN(distance)) {
errorDiv.style.display = 'block';
errorDiv.innerText = "Please fill in all fields with valid numbers.";
resultsDiv.style.display = 'none';
return;
}
if (density <= 0 || load <= 0 || distance initialMass) {
errorDiv.style.display = 'block';
errorDiv.innerText = "Final mass cannot be greater than initial mass (this indicates mass gain, not wear).";
resultsDiv.style.display = 'none';
return;
}
// Hide error if valid
errorDiv.style.display = 'none';
// 3. Perform Calculations
// Mass Loss (g)
var massLoss = initialMass – finalMass;
// Volume Loss (mm³)
// Formula: Volume (cm³) = Mass (g) / Density (g/cm³)
// Convert cm³ to mm³ by multiplying by 1000
var volumeLossCm3 = massLoss / density;
var volumeLossMm3 = volumeLossCm3 * 1000;
// Specific Wear Rate (mm³/Nm)
// Formula: k = V / (F * L)
// V in mm³, F in Newtons, L in Meters
var specificWearRate = volumeLossMm3 / (load * distance);
// 4. Update UI
resultsDiv.style.display = 'block';
document.getElementById('resMassLoss').innerText = massLoss.toFixed(4) + " g";
document.getElementById('resVolLoss').innerText = volumeLossMm3.toFixed(4) + " mm³";
// Format scientific notation for very small numbers common in wear
document.getElementById('resSpecificWearRate').innerText = specificWearRate.toExponential(4) + " mm³/(Nm)";
}
Understanding Wear Rate and Tribology
In the fields of materials science and mechanical engineering, quantifying how a material degrades under friction is crucial for predicting the lifespan of components. The Wear Rate Calculator helps engineers and researchers determine the specific wear rate of a material based on experimental data, typically gathered from pin-on-disk or reciprocating wear tests.
The Archard Wear Equation
This calculator utilizes the principles of the Archard Wear Equation, which describes the sliding wear of materials. The fundamental concept is that the volume of material removed is proportional to the sliding distance and the normal force applied.
k = V / (F × L)
Where:
k: Specific Wear Rate (mm³/Nm)
V: Volume of worn material (mm³)
F: Normal Load applied (Newtons)
L: Total Sliding Distance (Meters)
How to Use This Calculator
To accurately calculate the wear rate, you need data typically acquired from a tribometer test. Follow these steps:
Measure Mass: Weigh your specimen before (Initial Mass) and after (Final Mass) the test. Ensure the sample is cleaned of debris before weighing.
Input Density: Enter the density of the material in g/cm³. For example, steel is roughly 7.85 g/cm³, while aluminum is about 2.70 g/cm³. This is required to convert mass loss into volume loss.
Test Parameters: Input the constant Normal Load (force) applied during the test in Newtons and the total Sliding Distance in meters.
Why Calculate Specific Wear Rate?
Calculating the specific wear rate allows for the normalization of wear data. Unlike simple "mass loss," which depends on how long the test ran or how heavy the load was, the specific wear rate ($k$) is an intrinsic property of the tribological system (the material pair, environment, and lubrication). This allows engineers to compare the wear resistance of different materials objectively.
A lower specific wear rate indicates a material with higher wear resistance, suitable for high-friction applications like bearings, gears, and braking systems.