Numerical analysis for frictional heating of composite

A numerical analysis has been carried out for the three-dimensional frictional heating problem of composite materials, where an asperity contact (heat source) moves across the boundary of constituents of the composite. The mathematical model adopted here is that of a surface asperity on a semi-infinite body sliding on the composite which consists of two semi-infinite bodies. Theoretical equations with respect to the temperature distribution in both the composite and the moving surface are derived. The equations are solved numerically and the temperature distribution change with time is also obtained. It will be shown that the temperature rise caused by frictional heating depends markedly on the thermal properties of constituents of the composite, and the temperature distribution in the vicinity of the asperity contact in both the moving surface and the composite changes rapidly when the asperity passes over the boundary of constituents. The effect of the frictional heating on the worn surface profile of the composite is also discussed.