Frontier research in tribology through investigation of lubrication, friction and wear

Friction and wear cause problems such as high energy consumption and production stops. Tribology researchers at Luleå University of Technology strives at seeking answers to these tribological questions

Close collaboration in research between industry and LTU

The Division of Machine Elements at Luleå University of Technology has world leading research competence in the field of tribology, i.e. lubrication, friction and wear.

Substantial costs are incurred in industry every year as a direct or indirect result of friction and wear.

In industries, such as process industry almost half of all operating costs can be put down to maintenance requirements, friction and wear.

Tribologists at Luleå University of Technology work in close cooperation with industry in solving problems linked to lubrication, friction and wear.

Research is primarily aimed at:

Establishing basic characteristics of lubricants and developing calculation models for improved design of machine components with lubricated contacts.
Lubricant ability to protect agains wear, to minimize operating and maintenance costs incurred as a result of friction and wear.
Development of models for tribological contacts to aid the design of mechanical components and systems.
Models are built in software used by engineers in industry.
Studies of tribological properties for different material/coating combinations in dry or lubricated conditions for a number of different applications, such as clutches, gears and seals.
Hydrodynamic bearings and possibilites for their performance enhancement through the use of new lubricants, materials and textured surfaces.
Other research projects are related to industrial sectors such as automobile, hydropower, metalworking and railways etc.