Tribology (try-BAHL-oh-gee) is the science and technology concerned with interacting surfaces in relative motion, including friction, lubrication, wear and erosion. (ASTM Committee G-2 on Wear and Erosion). Tribology encompasses aspects of physics, chemistry, applied mathematics, metallurgy, material science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and applied mechanics. 

The Role of Lubrication Engineering and Tribology 
Lubrication Engineering relates to the reduction of friction and wear between relatively moving parts. 

Studies estimate that as much as one-third of all usable, device-produced energy is lost to friction and wear. Reactive maintenance costs three times that of planned maintenance, costing industry and consumers billions each year. In addition to energy waste, friction and wear greatly affect product reliability, maintainability, safety, service, life and environmental factors. 

Technical Information 
Learn the latest research trends and practical ideas and applications through STLE journals:

• Tribology & Lubrication Technology (TLT), a monthly magazine of timely technical articles presenting authenticated, usable lubrication research and application data, covering all phases of tribology. Free with membership.
• Tribology Transactions, a research journal containing experimental and theoretical papers on friction, wear. lubricants, lubrication, materials, machines and moving components, from the macro- to the nano-scale. Members receive a subscription discount.
• Tribology Letters, a research journal devoted to the science of tribology and its applications. Particular emphasis is placed on relating tribological properties to phenomena occurring on the microscopic or nanoscale. Members receive a subscription discount.

Click here for a presentation on the importance of Tribology.