Wear Theory

Wear theory describes how materials degrade over time due to friction and contact, leading to loss of material or performance. It explains that surfaces in contact—like gears, shoes, or machinery parts—gradually erode because of continuous use, pressure, and movement. This process can be influenced by factors such as material properties, load, speed, and lubrication. Understanding wear theory helps engineers design more durable products and develop maintenance strategies to prevent failures, ensuring longer service life and reliability of mechanical systems.