A mathematical model based on the existing theories of corrosion and wear is proposed for analyzing the controlling phenomena in corrosive wear caused by atmospheric oxygen. The model is applied to experimental wear data, making the assumption that all of the wear proceeded by a corrosion mechanism, i.e., the growth of an oxide layer and its subsequent removal by rubbing. The analytical results show that the rate of metal oxidation is the more important factor in determining the wear rate. The proposed model, assuming oxidation to follow a parabolic rate law, predicts a much higher rate constant and a lower activation energy for oxidation in corrosive wear than in static corrosion at the same “hot spot” temperature. It is postulated that this is due to a mechanical activation phenomena caused by rubbing action. The increase of wear at higher loads can be accounted for by a simple increase in oxidation rate at a higher surface temperature.Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers paper at the ASME/ASLE Lubrication Conference held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, October 8–10, 1968.