Abstract:
Auburn University is home to the Multiscale Tribology Laboratory founded in 2004 by Prof. Rob Jackson. Prof. Jackson and his students have made contributions to the field of tribology, and most notably in the areas of contact mechanics, nanoparticle additives, hydrodynamic bearings and surfaces, coupled tribological component modeling, and electrical contacts. Recent advances in these areas will be discussed, along with elastic-plastic rough surface contact mechanics and real area of contact measurements.
Industry demand is high for graduates who have a background in tribology. A great deal of resources are spent annually on issues related to friction, wear and lubrication. In 2012, due to an industry demand for undergraduate engineering graduates with a tribology background, the Tribology and Lubrication Science Minor was created and officially approved by the University. The minor consists of 15 hours of coursework and also encourages students to gain practical laboratory experience. Students who participate in this minor gain a multidisciplinary appreciation and broad understanding of the field of tribology — especially in the subjects of engineering, chemistry and business — and will provide a pipeline for well-prepared engineers and scientist to meet the industry’s need.