tribometriset

Tribometriset is a theoretical framework in tribology that defines a composite metric for evaluating the performance of sliding interfaces. The term combines tri- (three), metric (measure), and set to denote a three‑dimensional assessment of friction, wear, and material transfer during relative motion.

The concept rests on three sub-metrics: frictional footprint, wear footprint, and transfer footprint. The frictional footprint captures the average coefficient of friction over a test cycle; the wear footprint measures the cumulative material loss per unit load and sliding distance; the transfer footprint assesses the extent and pattern of material transfer between the interacting surfaces. These sub-metrics can be normalized and combined into a single tribometriset score through a weighted scheme, enabling comparisons across materials, lubricants, and surface treatments.

Measurement relies on standard tribological test rigs such as pin‑on‑disk, ball‑on‑flat, or reciprocating tribometers. Friction is recorded in real time, while wear is quantified by profilometry, optical or scanning electron microscopy, and mass loss. Transfer analysis uses surface characterization methods such as spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, or surface‑sensitive imaging to detect material deposition and composition changes on the counterface.

Applications of tribometriset include guiding material development, coating design, and lubricant formulation, as well as reliability assessment for bearings, gears, seals, and microelectromechanical systems. The metric is not yet standardized, and different research groups propose varying aggregation methods, which can affect comparability. As a conceptual tool, tribometriset aims to provide a holistic view of tribological performance beyond single-property measures.