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Tribology
Tribology is the science of specific mechanisms that occur due to moving parts that rub against each other. The mechanisms that present during the persistent rubbing that occurs in daily operation of such moving parts are friction and wear. Studying lubrication or other protective materials to prevent wear is part of tribology and is most often pertains to bearing designs.
Leonardo da Vinci began studying tribology (although the term was not coined until recently) and specified the laws of friction in the 14th century. He observed that weight and distance are proportionate to friction generated. The first tests of tribology were carried out in the late 1700's and shed light on the wear rates of gold coins.
Scientists, and more specifically tribologists, are continually discovering more relationships to be used in metallurgical engineering and failure analysis. The importance of tribologylies in the definition - studying the wear of moving parts. The largest markets in engineering currently are automobiles and aircrafts (commercial and military), and the vehicles are required to be reliable and safe. When parts wear, material is removed and the integrity of the part is compromised, therefore unable to perform its function reliably. Studying tribology when designing engine components, railroad systems, waterway lock-gates or roller bearings is critical in aiding the metallurgical engineers and other teammates in choosing the optimal configuration and material for the parts.
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