Pin-On-Disk Computational Analysis: A Powerful Tool for Characterizing the Mechanical Properties of Polymers and Polymer Composites

Metal matrix composites are widely recognized for their notable enhancements in wear resistance compared to polymer matrix composites. But the low weight, easy manufacturability, low melting points, and comparable mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of polymer matrix composites make favorable for using in different loading and environmental conditions. This research article is focused on wear properties of polymer and polymer composites obtained using COMSOL Multiphysics software under different loads. The key objective is to examine how polymers and polymer composites wear on pins and von Mises stress distributions inside the cylindrical pin. The study aims to evaluate the material combinations based on the amount of polymer wear, which is mostly affected by measurable wear on the polymeric component. However, it is noted that certain material combinations may result in significant wear to the counter face. The study also highlights that the polymer specimen's weight loss may not be a reliable predictor of polymer wear. Therefore, the American Standard Test Method (ASTM-F732) has been established as the benchmark for evaluating candidate materials intended for use as bearing surfaces in human total joint prostheses. This standard offers a laboratory procedure specifically designed to analyze the wear characteristics of material mixtures under consideration.