Exploring Abrasion Pattern Formation with Sliding Contact Resonance: What Timescale Determines Periodic Spacing?

Abstract This study has developed the sliding contact resonance (SCR) method, which measures three timescales, in no contact, stationary contact, and sliding contact, to investigate the mechanism of abrasion pattern (AP) formation engraved on rubber surfaces. The SCR method employs a unique homemade apparatus of a single-degree-of-freedom forced oscillation system utilizing a macroscale sliding contact between a rubber roller and a rigid surface. This paper focuses on the timescales, based on the hypothesis that the product of the drive speed and an intrinsic time determines the AP spacing. As a result, we find that it is not the mechanical or material timescale, but rather the timescale of sliding contact, that determines the limiting AP spacing. Their strong correlation suggests that the intrinsic time of the rubber surface, required for deformation and recovery in sliding contact, determines the periodic spacing engraved on the surface.