On the energy dissipation of individual elements of a tribological system

It is the objective of this paper to determine shares of individual elements of a tribological system in the process of dissipation of various forms of energy in friction. An interpretation of energy transformations proposed by the author and based on the first law of thermodynamics for open systems is the starting point for the discussion. The assumed varying structure of the energy balance in the particular system elements is a new factor in the proposed interpretation. A new analytical description of the energy dissipation process in stabilised friction of solids is then developed. The pulse nature of the energy dissipation is also taken into consideration. Significant differences are found in this process of dissipation across the tribological system elements. The results are illustrated quantitatively with a tribological experiment. All friction and wear parameters and thermodynamic properties of rubbing solids are given physical interpretations.