Basic Technical Information

Lubrication is a multi-disciplinary subject that connects to many areas of science and technology. However, it could be grouped under mechanical engineering for easy classification.

The knowledge of Lubricant itself is very much linked to chemical engineering though.

Tribology is the knowledge about contacting suface.

Many people find "Lubrication" an intriguing subject!

Tribology

Tribology is the science and engineering of interacting surfaces in relative motion. It includes the study and application of the principles of friction, lubrication and wear. The word 'tribology' derives from the Greek root τριβ- of the verb τρίβω - tribo "Ι rub", and the suffix -logy.

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 minimized 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).

Friction

Friction is the force resisting the relative lateral (tangential) motion of solid surfaces, fluid layers, or material elements in contact.

Types of friction

Static friction is friction between two solid objects that are not moving relative to each other. For example, static friction can prevent an object from sliding down a sloped surface.

Kinetic (or dynamic) friction occurs when two objects are moving relative to each other and rub together (like a sled on the ground).

Coefficient of friction

The coefficient of friction (COF), also known as a frictional coefficient or friction coefficient and symbolized by the Greek letter μ, is a dimensionless scalar value which describes the ratio of the force of friction between two bodies and the force pressing them together.

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