Synergetics and fractal dimensions in tribology

The possibility is substantiated of applying a fractal geometry approach to the study of tribological processes, i.e., pre-fracture and fracture (wear) of metallic materials, checking of the critical points in their mechanical state, and prediction of fatigue damageability in contact interaction and friction of rough surfaces. The substantiation is based on quantitative evaluation of the fractal dimension of the deformation relief by the vertical section method using the self-similar ratio of the perimeter to the area of the closed profiles of the fractal. A synergetic approach to the analysis of plastic deformation and fracture with regard to the collective effects and self-organization of dissipative structures and the established hierarchy of structural (scale) levels of deformation gives grounds to search for relationships between the microand macroparameters of plastic deformation and fracture based on the theory of fractals as self-similar defects and fractal dimensions as a characteristic of the dynamic structure of an object.