
The term tribology refers to the science that studies friction, lubrication, and wear. Its etymology comes from the fusion of two Greek words: tribos, which translates to friction, and logos, meaning study or science. Essentially, tribology examines the interactions between surfaces subjected to relative motion and load.
Here’s an overview of the key topics covered by tribology:
Friction
Friction is a force that opposes the motion of a body on a surface. There are different types of friction:
Sliding friction: Occurs when two surfaces slide against each other. It can be static or dynamic.
Rolling friction: Manifests when two bodies roll against each other without sliding.
Viscous friction: Arises when a body moves through a fluid and encounters resistance proportional to its velocity.
Lubrication
Lubrication reduces friction and wear between surfaces. Lubricants (usually liquids) are used to improve sliding.
Manual lubrication: Requires a technician using a grease gun or similar tools.
Automatic lubrication: Programmed to deliver a specific amount at the right time during machine operation.
Wear
Wear is the process of material removal or damage from a solid surface due to sliding, rolling, or impact against another body. Wear categories include:
Abrasion: Surface material removal due to repeated friction over time (e.g., vehicle tires).
Adhesion: Phenomenon where two contacting bodies attract and tend to stick together.
Surface fatigue: Superficial damage caused by repeated rolling contacts.
Tribo-oxidation: Corrosion resulting from vibrations creating small frictional movements between two bodies.
Applications and Sectors
Tribology has various applications:
Nanotribology: Studies atomic-scale friction.
Biotribology: Analyzes wear on prosthetics and biomedical devices (e.g., pacemakers).
Industrial tribology: Focuses on mechanisms like bearings, mechanical devices limiting friction.
Space tribology: Addresses challenges in space (e.g., thermal excursions, meteorite management).
Ecotribology: Aims for economic savings and environmental improvement through new tribological technologies and materials.