Master Thesis Stability Analysis of Running-In Processes Using Entropy-Based Methods

During contact and relative motion of technical surfaces, energy is dissipated through mechanisms such as plastic deformation, particle generation, surface oxidation, film shearing and heat. From an engineering perspective, it is important to understand whether and under which conditions (materials, surface finish, operating conditions, etc.) the resulting running-in state is stable. The relative contribution of these processes determines the evolving surface topography and health of a tribological contact.

• You will begin your thesis with a literature review of entropy-based approaches for describing wear and running-in processes.
• Building on contact mechanics models developed in our department, leading-edge experimental methods and the identified literature, you will then conceptualize and model the surface state after running-in.
• Finally, you will critically assess the applicability and potential of entropy-based methods for improving the understanding and modelling of running-in in tribological contacts.