Tribology

Tribology is the science and technology of interacting surfaces in relative motion. It includes the study and application of the principles of friction, lubrication and wear.

The study of tribology is commonly applied in bearing design but extends into almost all other aspects of modern technology.

Any product where one material slides or rubs over another is affected by complex tribological interactions, whether lubricated like hip implants and other artificial prosthesis or unlubricated as in high temperature sliding wear in which conventional lubricants can not be used but in which the formation of compacted oxide layer glazes have been observed to protect against wear.

Tribology plays an important role in manufacturing. In metal-forming operations, friction increases tool wear and the power required to work a piece. This results in increased costs due to more frequent tool replacement, loss of tolerance as tool dimensions shift, and greater forces are required to shape a piece. A layer of lubricant which eliminates surface contact virtually eliminates tool wear and decreases needed power by one third.

The tribological interactions of a solid surface’s exposed face with interfacing materials and environment may result in loss of material from the surface. The process leading to loss of material is known as “wear”. Major types of wear include abrasion, adhesion (friction), erosion, and corrosion.

Wear can be minimised by modifying the surface properties of solids by one or more of “surface engineering” processes (also called surface finishing) or by use of lubricants (for frictional or adhesive wear).

Engineered surfaces extend the working life of both original and recycled and resurfaced equipments, thus saving large sums of money and leading to conservation of material, energy and the environment.

Methodologies to minimise wear include systematic approaches to diagnose the wear and to prescribe appropriate solutions.