Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Tribology: A Historical Overview of the Relation Between Theory and Application

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
A Bridge between Conceptual Frameworks

Part of the book series: History of Mechanism and Machine Science ((HMMS,volume 27))

Abstract

Tribology is the science and engineering of rubbing surfaces. This article presents a historical overview of tribology evolution from prehistory to the highly advanced stage reached nowadays. Phenomenological analyses based on observation and experimentation gave rise to a progressive understanding of the processes of friction, wear and lubrication, with application to many industrial problems. Multiple industrial reports published during the last few decades have shown the huge impact of tribology on economy and ecology, such as the classical Jost Report in the United Kingdom (1966), that has been followed up to the present by similar investigations worldwide.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Agricola G (1556) De Re Metallica. Reprinted in 1950 by Dover publishing

    Google Scholar 

  • Amontons G (1699) De la Résistance causée dans les Machines. Mémoires de l’Académie Royale A, pp 257–282, 1699

    Google Scholar 

  • Archard JF (1953) Contact and rubbing of flat surface. Journal of Applied Physics 24(8):981–988

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Archard JF, Hirst W (1956) The wear of materials under unlubricated conditions. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London A-236:397–410

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bair S (2007) High pressure rheology for quantitative elastohydrodynamics. Tribology and interface engineering series, No. 54. Elsevier, Amsterdam

    Google Scholar 

  • Barrans J (1850) On an improved axle box for railway engines and carriages. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers 2, pp. 3–8

    Google Scholar 

  • Bautista E, Ceccarelli M, Echávarri J, Muñoz JL (2010) A brief illustrated history of machines and mechanisms. Springer, Berlin

    Book  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Besson J (1578) Theatrum Instrumentum et Machinarum, Lugduni Vincent

    Google Scholar 

  • Bowden FP, Tabor D (1950 and 1964) The friction and lubrication of solids. Oxford University Press, Part I (1950); Part II (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  • Carnes K (2005) The ten greatest events in tribology history: as chosen by the readers of TLT magazine. Tribology & Lubrication Technology 61(6):38–47

    Google Scholar 

  • Carreau PJ (1972) Rheological equations from molecular network theories. Transactions of The Society of Rheology 16(1):99–127

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coulomb CA (1785) Theories des machines simples, en ayant égard au frottement de leurs parties, et a la roider des cordages. Mém Math Phys X:161–332

    Google Scholar 

  • Crook AW (1961) Elastohydrodynamic lubrication of rollers. Nature 190(4782):1182–1183

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Da Vinci L (15th century) Codex Madrid I and II, Codex Atlanticus and Codex Arundel

    Google Scholar 

  • Dowson D (1998) History of tribology, 2nd edn. Longman, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Dowson D, Higginson GR (1959) A numerical solution to the elastohydrodynamic problem. The Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science 1(1):6–15

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • García Tapia N (1990) Patentes de Invención Españolas en el Siglo de Oro. Industrial Property Register, D.L

    Google Scholar 

  • García Tapia N (2001) Un Inventor Navarro. Jerónimo de Ayanz y Beaumont. Pamplona Department of Education and Culture

    Google Scholar 

  • Gohar R (1988) Elastohydrodynamics. Ellys Horwood Ltd., London

    MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Grubin AN (1949) Fundamentals of the hydrodynamic theory of lubrication of heavily loaded cylindrical surfaces. In: Ketova KF (ed) Proceedings of symposium on investigation of the contact of machine components, Book No. 30, pp. 115–166. Moscow, Russia

    Google Scholar 

  • Habchi W, Eyheramendy D, Bair S, Vergne P, Morales-Espejel G (2008) Thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication of point contacts using a Newtonian/generalized Newtonian lubricant. Tribology Letters 30:41–52

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Halling J (1975) Principles of tribology. Edition, illustrated. MacMillan Press, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamrock BJ (1994) Fundamentals of fluid film lubrication. McGraw-Hill, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamrock BJ, Dowson D (1976) Isothermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication of point contacts, Part I-theoretical formulation. ASME Journal of Lubrication Technology 98:223–229

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamrock BJ, Dowson D (1977) Isothermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication of point contacts, Part III-fully flooded results. ASME Journal of Lubrication Technology 99:264–275

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harris TA (1991) Rolling bearings analysis, 3rd edn. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Harrison JA, Stuart SJ, Brenner DW (1998) Atomic-scale simulation of tribological and related phenomena. In: Bhushan B (ed) Handbook of micro/nanotribology. CRC, New York, pp 525–594

    Google Scholar 

  • Hellemans A, Bunch B (1988) The timetables of science. Simon & Schuster, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Hirn GA (1854) Etudes sur les principaux phénomènes que présentent les frottements médiats et sur les diverses manières de déterminer la valeur mécanique des matières employées au graissage des machines. Bulletin de la Société Industrielle de Mulhouse, 26, No. 129, pp 188–277

    Google Scholar 

  • Höglund E (1999) Influence of lubricant properties on elastohydrodynamic lubrication. Wear 232:176–184

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hooke R (1684) The posthumous works of Robert Hooke. Waller and Seer, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacobson BO (1991) Rheology and elastohydrodynamic lubrication. Tribology series, vol 19. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 1–381

    Google Scholar 

  • Jost P (1966) Lubrication (tribology), education and research. A Report on the present position and industry’s needs, published as an English government report on 9 March 1966

    Google Scholar 

  • Jost P (2001) The tasks of tribology societies on a changing world. Opening address, Second World Tribology Congress

    Google Scholar 

  • Kingsbury A (1897) Experiments with an air lubricated bearing. Journal of the American Society for Naval Engineers 9, pp 267–292

    Google Scholar 

  • Lafont P, Díaz A, Echávarri J (2009) Diseño y Cálculo de Transmisiones por Engranajes. Publicaciones de la ETS de Ingenieros Industriales, Madrid

    Google Scholar 

  • Leslie J (1804) An experimental inquiry into the nature and propogation of heat. T. Gillet Printer, Salisbury Square

    Google Scholar 

  • Levitin M (1997) Friction reduction in hip implants treated with regular microrelief. Regmi-Tech, Haifa, p 12

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu Z (2000) The development of water-powered machines in China in 10–14th Century. In: Proceedings of HMM 2000. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht

    Google Scholar 

  • Martin HM (1916) Lubrication of gear teeth. Engineering, vol 102. London, pp 199–221

    Google Scholar 

  • Mauss M (1967) Manuel D’Ethnographie. Payot, Rivages (eds), Paris, France

    Google Scholar 

  • Michell AGM (1905) The lubrication of plane surfaces. Zeitschrift für Mathematik und physik 52(Pt. 2):123–137

    MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Needham J (1975) Science and civilisation in China. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Olver AV, Spikes HA (1998) Prediction of traction in elastohydrodynamic lubrication. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part J-Journal of Engineering Tribology 212:321–332

    Google Scholar 

  • Petrov NP (1883) Friction in machines and the effect of the lubricant. Inzh Zh St-Peterb 1:71–140; (2:227–279; 3:377–436; 4:435–464)

    Google Scholar 

  • Petrusevich AI (1951) Fundamental conclusions from the contact-hydrodynamic theory of lubrication. Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR SSSR (OTN) 2:209–223

    Google Scholar 

  • Pinchuk LS, Nikolaev VI, Tsvetkova EA, Goldade VA (2006) Tribology and biophysics of artificial joints. Elsevier, Amsterdam

    Google Scholar 

  • Pinkus O, Wilcock DF (1977) Strategy for energy conservation through tribology. Tribology in energy technology workshop, Washington: Tribology in Energy Technology Workshop 1977, ASME

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramelli A (1588) Le Diverse et Artificiose Macchine del Capitano Agostino Ramelli dal Ponte della Tresia, Paris, France

    Google Scholar 

  • Rennie (1829) Experiments on the friction and abrasion of the surfaces of solids. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London 119:143–170

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reti L (1967) El artificio de Juanelo en Toledo. Magazine of Toledo provincial council, No. 60, 1967, pp. 3–46

    Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds O (1886) On the theory of lubrication and its application to Mr. Beauchamp Tower’s experiments, including an experimental determination of the viscosity of olive oil. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London 177:157–234

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singer C (1954) A history on technology. Clarendon Press, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Sommerfeld A (1904) Zur hydrodynamischen theorie der Schmiermittelreibung. Zeitschrift für angewandte Mathematik und Physik 50:97–155

    MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Spikes HA (1994) The behaviour of lubricants in contacts; current understanding and future possibilities. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part J: Journal of Engineering Tribology 208(1): 3–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Spikes HA (2001) Tribology research in the twenty-first century. Tribology International 34:789–799

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stachowiak GW, Batchelor AW, Stachowiak GB (2004) Experimental methods in tribology. Tribology series, 44. Elsevier, Amsterdam

    Google Scholar 

  • Strandh S (1979) Machines. An illustrated history. Littlehampton Book Services, Worthing

    Google Scholar 

  • Stribeck R (1902) Die Wesentlichen Eigenshaften der Gleit und Rollen lager. Z Ver dt Ing 46(38): 1341–1348

    Google Scholar 

  • Su Song (1089) Xin Yi Xiang Fa Yao. (Horological treatise)

    Google Scholar 

  • Szeri AZ (2005) Fluid film lubrication. Theory and design. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Thurston RH (1879) Determination of the laws and coefficients of friction by new methods and with new apparatus. The Railroad Gazette, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Tower B (1883) First report on friction experiments (friction of lubricated bearings). Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Nov., pp 632–659

    Google Scholar 

  • Vitruvius M (1511) De Architectura. Edited by Fra Giocondo, Verona, (reprinted in 1513, 1522 and 1523).

    Google Scholar 

  • Von Pauli FA (1849) Uberden Widerstand der zapfenreibung. Kunst and Gewerbeblatt des polytechnischen Verein des Konigreich Bayern, vol 8/9, pp 452–469

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams JA (1994) Engineering tribology. Oxford University Press, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Woodcroft B (1851) The Pneumatics of Hero von Alexandria. Walton & Maberly, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Ziebig A, Luber H (1983) Bioceramic hip joint components-industrial production and testing procedures to ensure high functional reliability. In: Vincenzini P (ed) Ceramics in surgery. Elsevier, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Zonca V (1607) Novo Teatro Di MACHINE ET EDIFICII Per uarie et Sicure operationi Co[n] le loro figure tagliate in Rame é la dichiaratione, e dimostratione di ciascuna. Opera necesaria ad Architetti, e a quelli, ch[i] di tale studio si dilettano. Di VITTORIO ZONCA. Architetto della Magnifica Communita di Padoua. In Padoua Appresto Pietro Bertelli.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Grupo de Investigación en Ingeniería de Máquinas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain

    Javier Echávarri, Eduardo de la Guerra & Enrique Chacón

Authors
  1. Javier Echávarri
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Eduardo de la Guerra
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Enrique Chacón
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Javier Echávarri .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, Lille 1 University Science and Technology, Villeneuve d’Ascq, France

    Raffaele Pisano

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Echávarri, J., de la Guerra, E., Chacón, E. (2015). Tribology: A Historical Overview of the Relation Between Theory and Application. In: Pisano, R. (eds) A Bridge between Conceptual Frameworks. History of Mechanism and Machine Science, vol 27. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9645-3_8

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9645-3_8

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-017-9644-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-017-9645-3

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation