Tribology is the interdisciplinary science and engineering field that deals with the study of friction, wear, and lubrication of interacting surfaces in relative motion. Derived from the Greek word “tribos” meaning "rubbing" or "friction," and “logos” meaning "study" or "knowledge," tribology encompasses the understanding and control of the behavior of surfaces when they come into contact.
Tribology involves investigating the mechanisms, causes, and effects of friction, wear, and lubrication, with the aim of improving efficiency, reliability, and durability of interacting surfaces. It encompasses a wide range of applications, including but not limited to machinery, automotive systems, aerospace, materials science, and bioengineering.
The study of tribology involves understanding the various types of friction including dry, mixed, and fluid friction, as well as the different modes of wear such as adhesive, abrasive, and corrosive wear. It focuses on studying the properties of materials and lubricants that can minimize friction, prevent wear, and enhance the performance of components subjected to relative motion.
Tribology engineers employ experimental, theoretical, and computational methods to analyze and predict the behavior of interacting surfaces. They also develop and design materials and lubrication systems to optimize performance and minimize detrimental effects such as surface damage and energy losses.
Overall, tribology plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of numerous industrial and everyday systems, providing insights into the fundamentals of rubbing and providing practical solutions for reducing friction and wear.
