Tribology - the friction and wear of materials
AimsBefore you startIntroductionSurface topographyFriction - recapFriction - properties of the coefficient of friction, μFriction theoryLubrication - introduction and types of lubricantsLubrication - additivesWear - introductionWear by hard particles - abrasion and erosionSummaryQuestionsGoing furtherTLP creditsTLP contentsShow all contentViewing and downloading resourcesAbout the TLPsTerms of useFeedbackCredits Print this page
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Summary
Friction and wear are key concepts. They are experienced in everyday life and can be either detrimental or useful. For example, friction is unwanted when pushing or dragging a heavy object along a floor. Wear can result in components failing and no longer being fit for purpose, e.g., drill bits. However, high frictional forces are desirable for car brakes and grinding away the surfaces of metallographic specimens is most easy when there are reasonably high wear rates