University of Delaware - College of Engineering
MATERIALS TRIBOLOGY LABORATORY
Hierarchical composites provide ultra-low wear without lubrication
Friction force microscopy reveals new insights about the atomic origins of friction
In-situ microtribometry provides new insights into the initiation, progression, and treatment of osteoarthritis
In-situ tribometry provides direct observational access to the buried tribological interface
Co-sputtering offers unique control over the nanocomposite structure of ultra-low wear materials
Instrumenting UD's G90 helps elucidate the effects of non-uniform wind fields on premature drivetrain failure
Probing the sliding interface directly provides novel insights into lubrication and wear mechanisms of cartilage
Solid lubricant coatings keep satellites moving in extreme extraterrestrial environments
Interferometry through transparent bodies probes effects of roughness and real contact areas on friction
Trace loadings of 40nm nanoparticles reduce wear of Teflon by 99.99%

Energy and Sustainability Research

Energy efficiency and sustainability are fundamentally rooted by tribology. Sustainability requires that we reduce consumption/demand while replacing non-sustainable energy sources with sustainable sources. Friction and wear drive the energy demand in the U.S.; friction in passenger vehicles alone, for example, accounts for about 8%. Elevated operating temperatures and thermally-tolerant materials can increase carnot efficiency, while improved tribological materials and lubricants can reduce losses from friction and wear. In the wind industy, unpredictable drivetrain bearing failures dramatically increase the cost of wind power; durability is the key barrier to 20% wind energy by 2030.