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TRIBOLOGY: the science and technology of
interacting surfaces in relative motion and of
related subjects and practices
(H.P. Jost Reports, Committee on Tribology, Ministry
of Technology and Industry, London 1966)
TRIBOLOGY: from the Greek words TRIBOS and
LOGOS: the science of friction
When two interacting surfaces in relative motion
(when one surface is sliding relative to the other)
and there is contact between these surfaces, there
is always some friction and some wear.
Friction and wear are usually bad, but may be good.
What are examples where friction is desired and
where friction is not desired?

What are examples wear is desired and where wear is

not desired?

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What can we do to reduce friction and wear?

So TRIBOLOGY is the study of
- Change one or both surfaces:
- choice of material
- surface roughness - Friction,

- Reduce amount of relative motion between the surfaces - Wear and

- less sliding
- use rolling instead of sliding
- Lubrication
- Reduce the contact forces
- Reduce the contact between the sliding surfaces:
- use a lubricant such that there is increased separation
between the surfaces.
- use e.g. magnetic levitation
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Overview of areas in tribology
Main disciplines in the field of tribology:
Lubrication: 1. solid mechanics
1. unlubricated 2. fluid mechanics
2. lubrication using solid lubricants 3. material science
3. boundary lubrication 4. chemistry
4. mixed lubrication
5. full fluid film lubrication
Wear:
1. due to mechanical mechanisms
2. due to physical mechanisms (molecular interaction)
Friction:
1. dry friction
2. boundary layer friction
3. viscous friction
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DIN and ISO Surface Roughness, Waviness, and Skewness Parameter Definitions
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Actual Contact Between Two Surfaces Is Only at the Asperity Tips
Note the Real or Actual Contact Area, Ar, and the Apparent Contact Area, A
Ar |F/(3 Syc), F is applied force, Syc is compressive yield stress