Tribology
Science at the heart of mastering the efficiency and durability of mechanical systems
Tribology is the science that studies the phenomena that occur when two materials come into contact. In particular, it studies the mechanisms of friction and wear in the presence or absence of lubrication. As for the fields of application, it is impossible to provide an exhaustive list. The areas potentially impacted by tribology are numerous and their requirements vary. They range from the aerospace industry to medicine, including transport, civil engineering, heavy industry, and even everyday tools.
Did you know that...?
There are very few mechanical systems where friction does not exist.
Even the International Space Station (ISS), which orbits 400 km from Earth, is subject to very slight friction caused by the few residual molecules in the upper atmosphere. However, this slight friction forces the ISS to regularly consume fuel to raise its orbit; otherwise, it would risk falling back to Earth.
While in tribology, the reduction of friction and wear is often sought to ensure the efficiency, durability, and even operational safety of a given system, it is not always necessary to avoid friction.
In fact, without this phenomenon, it would not be possible, for example, to hold an object in one’s hand, build a pyramid, or fly an airplane.
This friction is also often the cause of wear in mechanical parts that roll or slide over each other. While proper lubrication slows the phenomenon, it never eliminates it completely.
In fact, in 1953, Jacques-Jean Caubet, a graduate of the École Centrale, founded the Centro Stéphanois de Recherches Mécaniques, Hydromécaniques et Frottements to solve the premature wear problems of papermaking machines. This research center would later become the current HEF Group.
Methodological approach
Our tribological activities often begin with the analysis of defective parts that our customers bring to us.
We then seek to understand the degradation mechanisms to offer solutions that may involve modifications affecting the design of the component or system itself, a change of materials, or the use of surface treatments.
Subsequently, an experimental phase can be carried out to qualify and characterize the performance of the envisioned alternative solutions. For all these aspects, we have various testing methods at our disposal, as well as a recognized
expertise in the design of specific test benches, should it be necessary. The objective of such experimentation is to replicate, as faithfully as possible, the operating conditions of the real application and the identified degradation mechanisms.
We also offer training courses for our customers’ teams (engineers, technicians, and materials experts) to explain the complexity of tribological problems, the consequences of these problems on components and systems, and the steps to be taken to solve these problems.
Extensive tribological experience
Tribology deals with a large number of different situations where friction occurs.
HEF’s expertise in this sector focuses on different materials (metals, polymers, ceramics, etc.) and lubricants (oils, greases, etc.) under very diverse operating conditions. For example, pressures from 10-5 mbar to 35 bar, temperatures from 200 °C to +700 °C, gaseous or liquid environments, and speeds of up to several tens of m/s -1 …
Also to be taken into account: the contact geometry, the type of force applied, as well as the surface properties present (hardness, roughness, chemical composition, geometric or structural defects, affinities with the lubricant, etc.).
In total, there are more than one hundred parameters that can intervene in a tribology problem.
When a client has a specific problem to solve, HEF can adopt a holistic vision and propose an appropriate solution, thanks to the expertise of our teams and our digital and experimental resources at multiple scales.
Conclusion
HEF’s various tribology activities respond to our customers’ needs regarding the development and optimization of their products and systems in terms of efficiency and reliability. Research or design services, bilateral development agreements, or collaborative projects with multiple partners are just some of the options through which HEF can help you benefit from our expertise and our constantly evolving digital and experimental resources. Tribology has always been the core of our activities, and it is this expertise that we put at your service.