A fast method for computing time‐dependent normal pressure distributions with cellular automaton

When two bodies slide against each other, one part of the dissipated energy causes a topography change. Tribological research on brake bads shows a rich dynamic of the boundary layer: plateau‐like structures of a typical length scale grow with time due to agglomerating wear particles and collapse spontaneously at a stability limit [4], [1]. This time‐dependent behaviour can be modeled with cellular automata, which consider local resolution of temperature, wear particle density and frictional power [4]. Beside this the instationary normal pressure distribution and the distinction between areas with and without contact is expected to have a significant influence [3]. This paper derives a fast scheme to estimate the time‐variant pressure distribution of a deterministic and dynamic topography by a cellular automaton. The approach is discussed in the light of computational performance and the solution's characteristics. (© 2009 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)