An Archimedean Wear Model for Investigating the Wear Characteristics and Evolution Mechanism of Sliders in Opposed Balance Pumps

This study investigates the wear characteristics and evolution behavior of the slider in an Opposed balance pump through theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and comparison with service-life data from industrial prototypes. Based on the classical Archard wear relationship, an equivalent surface geometric characteristic parameter was introduced to establish an Archimedean wear model. When b → 0, the proposed model reduces to the classical Archard equation, demonstrating good theoretical compatibility. On this basis, the friction coefficient μ, the equivalent surface geometric influence term 1 + k1b/a, the normal-load correction term 1 + k2FN, and the sliding-velocity correction term exp(−k3v) were incorporated to construct a multi-factor correction relationship, and the effects of load, frictional conditions, and motion processes on the wear response of the slider were analyzed. The results indicate that the cumulative wear of the slider is jointly affected by the equivalent surface geometric characteristics, normal load, relative motion, and frictional conditions, and that increases in the normal load and rotation angle both promote cumulative wear. Compared with the classical Archard model, under the same calculation conditions, the maximum cumulative wear volume calculated using the proposed model decreases from 5.5666 × 10−7 m3 to 4.0765 × 10−7 m3, corresponding to a difference of approximately 26.8%. Furthermore, a dimensionless lubrication correction coefficient ηb was introduced to establish an equivalent service-life evaluation relationship for the slider. Under the design operating condition, an equivalent service-life evaluation result of 2048 h was obtained, showing a relative difference of approximately 3.96% compared with the average overall pump service life of 1970 h obtained from three industrial prototypes. The results can provide a reference for wear analysis and service-life evaluation of sliders in diaphragm pumps.