Coarse and Ultrafine-Grained Fe- and Cu-based Materials Under Sliding: Subsurface Microstructural Evolution and its Stabilization

Promovendus/a: Wassim Zein Eddine

Promotor(en): Prof. dr. Jean-Pierre Celis

This PhD research focuses on understanding how different metallic materials wear down when they slide against other surfaces, and how we can design them to last longer. Many machines we rely on—like car engines, aircraft parts, turbines, or tiny mechanical devices—contain components that slide back and forth thousands or millions of times during use. Over time, this sliding can damage the material, change its shape, and eventually cause failure. Improving the durability of these materials can reduce maintenance costs, increase safety, and make technology more energy-efficient.

The project studies three types of materials: pure metals (iron and copper), a mixture of copper with tiny ceramic particles, and a metal alloy made of iron and copper. Each material behaves differently when stressed, so comparing them helps reveal what makes some materials more wear-resistant than others.

A key part of the research is examining not just the surface but the layer beneath it, which slowly changes during sliding. By seeing how this subsurface region evolves, the research uncovers why some materials fail while others remain stable.

The goal is to identify how metal structures should be designed and processed so they stay strong, stable, and resistant to wear—ultimately helping engineers create longer-lasting and more reliable components for everyday technologies.