Tribometre

A tribometer is a device used to measure friction, wear, and lubrication properties in tribology. By bringing two contact surfaces into controlled interaction under specified normal load, sliding speed, temperature, and environmental conditions, a tribometer provides quantitative data on how materials behave under sliding contact.

Common configurations include pin-on-disk, ball-on-disk, and reciprocating or linear motion arrangements. In most designs a sensor such as a load cell records the friction force as the surfaces slide, and the coefficient of friction is computed from the ratio of friction force to the applied normal load. Wear is assessed by mass loss, profilometry of wear tracks, or depth measurements.

Tribometers are used in materials research, coating development, lubrication testing, and engineering assessments of components such as bearings, gears, and biomedical implants. Tests can be conducted dry, lubricated, or under controlled temperatures and atmospheres, including vacuum or humid environments.

Interpreting results requires consideration of contact geometry, scale effects, and testing conditions, since real-world systems may differ in roughness, asperity behavior, and transient loading. Standards from organizations such as ASTM and ISO guide test methods, calibration, and data reporting to support comparison across studies.