Research Group: Tribology

Overview

Tribology derives from the Greek word 'tribos', which means 'to-rub'. It is defined as the science and technology of interacting surfaces in relative motion, and deals with all aspects of friction, lubrication and wear. Tribology is a key subject in mechanical engineering because nearly all machines depend on sliding surfaces for reliable operation. In fact surface wear and degradation is the key factor that limits the lifetime of most mechanical devices.
The Tribology Group deals with all aspects of Tribology, but has five main research themes:

1. Surface measurement, using stylus probes and non-contact techniques
2. Grinding modelling and wheel characterisation
3. Environmentally responsible cooling of machining processes
4. Bearing materials analysis
5. Lubricants for new materials

Leader(s)

• Prof Andrew Torrance - Associate Professor

Research Projects

• HIROP
• BEARINGS
• Surgical Instrument Design
• Graphite Seals
• Lubricants for new materials
• Lubricants for energy efficiency

Current Research Staff and Students

• Dr Dennis De Pellegrin - Research Fellow
• Dr Hugues Renondeau - Research Fellow
• Mr Darko Babic - PhD Candidate
• Mr Andrea Bareggi - PhD Candidate

Facilities

• Surface roughness measurement (stylus and non-contact methods)
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
• Metallography
• Various Tribometers

Images