Machine element 50 years

50 years ago, the subject machine elements was established at Luleå University of Technology and Bo Jacobson became the subject's first subject representative. Then the research at the university was focused on lubrication of machine elements. In recent years, the subject has broadened and now includes many other tribology-related areas such as ski friction, new types of sensors and material science issues on composites and metals.

- It is fantastic that Machine Elements celebrates 50 years. It is a subject that has meant a lot to Luleå University of Technology, not least through the people who have been in the subject and who have also contributed to the university's overall development. Alumni from the subject are also prominent nationally and internationally, we are also very proud of that, says Vice-Chancellor Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn.

The world's leading researchers visited

To celebrate these 50 years, the university invited alumni, teachers and researchers in the subject. Guests included Professor Zhonglin Wang, who is ranked as the world's leading researcher in all categories and has developed so-called tribological nanogenerators (TENG). But also the former Head of Department Erik Höglund who told us about the early years at the university and machine elements.
- Erik has been here since the beginning so it was fun to hear all the stories. During these 50 years, we at maskinelement have mainly worked closely with the industry to help them develop products with longer life and better efficiency. It is a constant effort to reduce friction and prevent wear," says Professor and Head of Subject Roland Larsson.

When Machine Elements was established in 1973, research focused almost exclusively on lubrication and lubricants. But as mentioned earlier, the subject has broadened in recent years, and today wear and material issues are major topics.
- We very much appreciate that so many people wanted to celebrate 50 years of Machine Elements together with us. We are proud that all our employees in such a classic engineering subject have both maintained and increased its relevance over 50 years, and we see that the subject will have a great importance in the next 50 years as well, says Head of Department Margareta Groth.

The future of machine elements

In machine elements, research is still being done in lubricants and lubrication, but now research is being done on the fossil-free lubricants of the future.
- "It is very difficult to say anything about the future, but if I were to guess - I would guess that in 50 years we will still need machine components that transmit power and movement. But they will be stronger and smaller than today, made of materials that can be circulated in perpetual loops, and the machine components will have a much longer lifespan. My guess is that they are controlled, built and designed with AI, but the work of making them stronger and better continues unabated," says Roland Larsson.