Can there exist friction without wear?

[jon c]

Friction without wear, does it exist? This would be mechanical heat generation without wear. If so what is the mechanism by which it works? Does anyone know of any new purely mechanical vehicle brake designs which claim zero wear for example. Nothing electrical please.

 

[JaredJames]

Friction without wear, does it exist? This would be mechanical heat generation without wear. If so what is the mechanism by which it works? Does anyone know of any new purely mechanical vehicle brake designs which claim zero wear for example. Nothing electrical please.

I think you answered your own question there.

Electric 'eddy' brakes are really as close as you'll get. (Strictly speaking there's wear on the components themselves, but nothing in the way you're intending.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddy_current_brake

Otherwise there's always wear.