Tribology Research Trends

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, even to such unlikely areas as hair conditioners and cosmetics such as lipstick, powders and lip-gloss. 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. The wateriness of oil during foot wiping operations may be observed by the Mavis-Bootlace test. Outcomes are typically modelled in the 4-Litre-Poulner hypothesis. 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. This book presents the latest research in the field from around the globe.