The study aimed to theoretically substantiate a reproducible engineering approach to selecting reinforcement routes, incorporating transitions between degradation mechanisms and spatial heterogeneity of requirements within a part. The methodology was based on sequential transfer of operating conditions into a causeand-effect chain “operating conditions – degradation mechanism – critical zone – surface and core requirements – class of technological solution” based on international regulatory requirements for steels, parameters of strengthened layers, corrosion resistance and durability of components. Results showed that the risk of degradation is thresholdbased: when one factor is intensified, it increases moderately and is concentrated mainly in a 2-3 point zone of integral scale, while simultaneous intensification of two or more factors shifts the system to a 4-5 point zone due to synergy of corrosion-abrasive and abrasive-fatigue processes. A change in “leading” mechanism has been identified, from predominantly fatigue under moderate conditions to the dominance of surface combined scenarios under high conditions, when the stability of the surface layer and its chemical resistance become decisive. The study substantiated that there are no universal technologies: for parts with a critical core role, volumetric thermal routes are a priority; for contact areas with soil – local surface strengthening and wear-resistant layers; for contactstressed areas – thermochemical solutions; for wet agrochemically active environments – barrier protection. The study demonstrated that additive restoration can be used as a preparatory stage with subsequent post-processing and strengthening, since a reinforced surface layer determines the resource. The practical significance lies in the fact that the generalised model can be used by design engineers, technologists and agricultural service providers when designing and restoring tractor and self-propelled machine parts to select a strengthening route class by correlating operating conditions with the dominant degradation mechanism and the critical area of the part, which reduces accelerated wear
Zubiekhina-Khaiiat et al. (Mon,) studied this question.