Figures for “Molecular Dynamics Investigation of Sliding Damage Evolution in Silicon Nitride Bearing Balls Based on a Nano–Micro Damage Mapping Framework”

Figure 5 depicts the nonlinear hydrostatic stress variation, revealing stress decoupling and compression-shear coupling during sliding. Figure 6 demonstrates the radial distribution function and coordination number evolution, confirming that damage remains localized at the outermost surface without amorphization. Figure 7 quantifies the S-shaped accumulation of atomic shear strain (saturating at 2.10 nm) and the increase of two-coordinated defect atoms (CN=2) from 12.6% to 13.4%.

Figure 8 reveals anisotropic damage propagation: continuous radial inward closure at the top contact region versus discrete horizontal dispersion at the bottom. Figure 9 provides a comparative analysis of damage propagation patterns, showing SEM micrographs of indented pits and directional cracks alongside simulation stages (internal propagation–lateral extension–discrete peeling). All figures are original and can be reused under the CC BY 4.0 license provided the original article is cited.