Tribology

As taught in: Fall 2004

Diagram of electrical connector pins.

As electrical connectors become smaller and more dense, tribological design considerations of friction and wear are increasingly important. (Diagram by MIT OCW.)

Instructors:

Prof. Nam Suh

Dr. Nannaji Saka

MIT Course Number:

2.800

Level:

Graduate

Course Features

Course Description

This course addresses the design of tribological systems: the interfaces between two or more bodies in relative motion. Fundamental topics include: geometric, chemical, and physical characterization of surfaces; friction and wear mechanisms for metals, polymers, and ceramics, including abrasive wear, delamination theory, tool wear, erosive wear, wear of polymers and composites; and boundary lubrication and solid-film lubrication. The course also considers the relationship between nano-tribology and macro-tribology, rolling contacts, tribological problems in magnetic recording and electrical contacts, and monitoring and diagnosis of friction and wear. Case studies are used to illustrate key points.