Tribology Simulations Course

The course introduces participants to the theory of numerical and analytical modeling in tribology field, shows some of the common rules of thumbs and overviews the capabilities of TriboSolver. After the course participants will understand the specifics of tribology simulations, know the main analytical expressions and rules of thumb, as well as know how to use TriboSolver for problem solving.

Agenda of the course is given below.

Introduction to Simulations in Tribology

The course starts with a short introduction to the topic, history and prospects of simulations in tribology field. This part introduces the main three use cases encountered in tribology simulations:

Dry Contacts
Lubricated Contacts
Mixed Lubrication

Surface Roughness and Roughness Parameters

Roughness of the surfaces in contact determine the ovearall performance of the tribological system. This sections is devoted to various parameters that are used to describe the surfaces and their limitations.

Modeling Dry Contacts

Dry Contact problems are characterized by the absence of lubricatns and thus behavior of the tribological system is determined by the surface roughness of the contacting system and the involved materials. In this section, various simulation methods and their limitations will be introduced, e.g., Molecular Dynamic Simulations, Boundary Element Method, Finite Elements and their role in tribology analysis. Most of the attention will go to the Boundary Element Method as the most widely used approach to analyse rough contacts.

Modeling Lubricated Contacts

This section deals with the modeling of fully lubricated contaccts, when the rubbing surfaces are completely separated by a lubricating film. In this case, behavior of the system is determined by the lubricant properties and applied conditions. The section will introduce Reynolds equation and its derivation, as it is fundamental equiation of tribology.

Modeling Mixed Lubrication

Finally, mixed lubrication problem is introduced in this section. This set of problems is described by the situations when surface roughness and the lubricant film both play a significant role in the behavior of the system.

Modeling Wear

This section introduces wear modeling approaches used in the field of tribology, such as Arcahrd Wear model.

TriboSolver: Introduction

Once the theoretical part is completed, the course introduces the user to TriboSolver, its history and its capabilities.

TriboSolver: Modeling Dry Contact

In this section, dry contact analysis is performed using TriboSolver. Subsurface stress analysis of uncoated and coated surfaces are considered, as well as contact pressure and contact area claculations.

TriboSolver: Modeling Lubricated Contacts

Course participants explore TriboSolver capabilities in solving Elastohydrodynamic equations and use of semi-analytical approaches to calculate central film thickness.

TriboSolver: Modeling Mixed Lubricated Contacts

This section addresses application of TriboSolver to mixed lubrication problems.

TriboSolver: Modeling Contact Temperature

Modeling contact temperature is important and can be perfromed for dry as well as mixed lubricated contacts. Contact temperature is known to determine transition from mild to severe adhesive wear in mixed lubricated contacts and thus must be calculated.

TriboSolver: Modeling Wear

Modeling wear is another capability of TriboSolver that is introduced during the course.

TriboSolver: Practical Tips

Finally, several practical moments of using TriboSolver are introduced, e.g., running TriboSolver from MATLAB or python, TriboSolver manual, Inputs and Outputs of the simulator.