Tribology

Tribology is the science and application of the principles of friction, wear and lubrication. The word tribology derives from the Greek root τριβ- of the verb τρίβω, tribo, which means “rub” and the suffix -logy from -λογία, -logia, which means “study of” or “knowledge of”. Tribology is an interdisciplinary science based on know-how and expertise from different fields such as mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, chemistry and chemical engineering. Tribology involves:

  • Friction – the resistance to motion of one body moving against another
  • Wear – the loss of material due to motion
  • Lubrication – the use of a fluid to minimize friction and wear

In recent years, tribology has become increasingly important in the field of sheet metal forming as it takes into account the effects of motion as well as the interaction between sheet material, lubricant and tool or coating material during the forming process. These tribological interactions influence the final quality of the formed parts as well as the stability and efficiency of the production process.

The main challenge in developing software solutions in this field has been how to appropriately represent complex tribological phenomena through easy-to-use software. The expertise in tribology has shown that by replacing the constant coefficient of friction, which is commonly used in metal forming simulations, with realistic and highly accurate friction and lubrication data results in metal forming simulations of greater accuracy with enhanced simulation functionalities.

Further information on tribology at AutoForm:

Software for Simulation of Friction and Lubrication Conditions