Abstract: After three-body abrasion, the hardness re-distribution near the worn surface has aclose relationship with the carbon content of martensite steel. It is considered thatthere is a competition between the work-hardening and the temper softening, whichresults from deformation and friction heat of material. When the carbon content ofmartensite steel is below about 0.6%, the subsurface hardness distribution of materialis a softened layer sandwiched between two hardened layers, but above 0.6%C, nosoftened region appears on the hardness re-distribution curve.

Key words: martensite, three-body abrasion, hardness re-distribution, carboncontent