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Lead Instructor(s)
Participating Instructor(s)
Date(s)
TBD
Location
On Campus
Course Length
5 Days
Course Fee
$4,500
CEUs
2.7 CEUs
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Explore the latest innovations in the study of friction, wear, and lubrication, while acquiring the frameworks you need to solve practical manufacturing challenges. During this five-day course, you’ll take a deep dive into tribology trends and strategies, including those related to surface energy, elastic and elastoplastic deformation, and delamination at the microscale level. You’ll also learn to troubleshoot tribology problems and control friction and wear behavior.

This course may be taken individually or as part of the Professional Certificate Program in Design & Manufacturing.

Course Overview


The study of friction, wear, and lubrication is of enormous practical importance, because the function of many mechanical, electromechanical, and biological systems depends on the appropriate friction and wear values. In recent decades, this field, termed tribology, has received increasing attention as it has become evident that the wastage of resources resulting from high friction and wear is greater than 6% of the Gross National Product. The potential savings offered by improved tribological knowledge are immense.

However, most engineers do not have a sufficient background in this area. For example, an undergraduate engineering student receives perhaps an hour of instruction in tribology. Moreover, most reference works of tribology provide little guidance for solving real-world problems.

This program presents current insights into tribology, focusing on such fundamental concepts as surface energy, elastic and elastoplastic deformation, micro-fracture, and surface interactions at the micro- and nano-scale. Special consideration is given to the application of fundamental knowledge to control friction and wear behavior through lubrication and the selection of materials and coatings in practical situations. Furthermore, modern experimental methods are discussed and several case studies are used to illustrate how fundamental tribology knowledge can be applied in the design of tribological components and systems.

Certificate of Completion from MIT Professional Education

Tribology Cert Iamge
Learning Outcomes
  • Describing surface topography, physico-chemical aspects of solid surfaces, and surface interactions
  • Analyzing the mechanics of solid elastic and elastoplastic contacts
  • Recognizing the laws of friction, mechanisms of friction, friction space, stiction, stick slip, and surface temperature
  • Appreciating the various modes of wear: adhesive, delamination, fretting, abrasive, erosive, corrosive, oxidational (mild and severe), melt, and the wear-mechanism maps
  • Identifying types of lubrication: boundary, solid-film, hydrodynamic, and hydrostatic lubrication
  • Examining applications/case studies: sliding contacts, rolling contacts, bearing design, coating selection, and lubrication
  • Exploring the design of tribological surfaces and how to troubleshoot tribology problems
  • Surveying tribological testing devices and testing design
  • Recognizing the seminal role that tribology plays in the satisfactory functioning of mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, and biological systems
  • Appreciating of the importance of tribology in minimizing energy consumption, extending product life, and protecting the environment
  • Understanding the laws, mechanisms, and models of friction, wear, and lubrication — spanning nano, micro, meso, and macroscales
  • Appreciating that tribological properties are the properties of the system as a whole, not just of the individual
  • Understanding the methodologies of design and troubleshooting tribological systems
  • Understanding the protocols and procedures of accelerated and long-term tribological testing

Links & Resources

What maintenance professionals should know about tribologyMRO Magazine, March 23, 2017

Who Should Attend

The program is intended for two kinds of participants: those who are active or intend to be active in research on some aspect of tribology, and those who have encountered practical friction and wear problems and wish to learn novel methods of solving them.

The course requires at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or physical sciences, including basic courses in mathematics, applied mechanics, materials science, physics, and chemistry. Some lectures introduce advanced concepts in these areas and in physical chemistry and thermodynamics. These will be reviewed where necessary to provide the required background. Industrial experience is preferred.

Requirements

Laptops or tablets are not required for this course, but are strongly recommended. Each participant receives digital and hard copies of the course lectures.

Testimonials

“A good practical overview of tribology. I didn't expect it to be as practical / real-world / valuable as it was. I expected it to be "in-the-clouds" mysterious as other triobologists I have come across have acted. I like the courage of the presenters defining what is known, what is estimated, and what is unknown. It has improved my view of tribology's legitimacy.”
COMPRESSOR ENGINEER, THERMOKING CORPORATION
“I learned a lot and realized that there is a lot more to learn and study about tribology. I came back with a lot of ideas for the company and my testing design.”
CHEMICAL INSTRUMENTALIST, INTERLUB S.A.,MEXICO
“An excellent overview of Tribology. A chance to ask questions and get answers on specific topics of interest. The ability to converse with industry professionals regarding very specific areas of knowledge.”
LEAD TECHNOLOGIST, TRIBOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE, CANADA
"Very effective. I came to the class with a problem I needed to start on without knowing where to begin. By day two of the class, I had a feasible idea and by day four I believe I have a solution to the problem. Now, I just need to prove my theory. My management will understand that this class was very valuable."
LUBRICATION ENGINEER, EATON CORPORATION
"Excellent program. Exceptional opportunity to learn from word-wide known tribologists."
SR. COATING SPECIALIST, ROLLS-ROYCE
"Not only learned theories of tribology, but also the way of solving engineering problems. The instructors delivered very nice and well prepared talks. I would recommend this class to any of my colleagues in the tribological area."
ENGINEERING SPECIALIST, CATERPILLAR INC.
"As a metallurgist, the chosen subject matter was applicable. I will be directly applying what I learned and use the handouts and textbooks as references for years to come."
SENIOR ENGINEER, SASOL SYNFUELS
"This type of information and presentation is simply not available in the working world."
STAFF ENGINEER, GOODRICH AEROSTRUCTURES
"The experience was extremely positive, mostly because Drs. Saka and Suh are very good instructors. They know how to extract the essence, how to structure, and how to make sense of the multitude of information from a complex field."
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO
"Useful in understanding widely varying results obtained in practical wear applications and ways to avoid them."
ENGINEER, SATCON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
"The top quality of the professors and lectures, the material, social events, overall organization and logistics were just outstanding!"
GENERAL MANAGER-DIRECTOR, CUMMINS, ARGENTINA
"The course was very good and well worth the cost and time to attend. The content was extensive and informative. The lecturers were impressive and highly knowledgeable in their fields. The social events (dinner and lunch) were superb and provided for wonderful personal and technical exchanges with the attendees and lecturers."
TECHNICAL CONSULTANT, AREVA NP
Brochure
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Tribology: Friction, Wear, and Lubrication - Brochure Image
Content

The type of content you will learn in this course, whether it's a foundational understanding of the subject, the hottest trends and developments in the field, or suggested practical applications for industry.

Fundamentals: Core concepts, understandings, and tools - 30%|Latest Developments: Recent advances and future trends - 30%|Industry Applications: Linking theory and real-world - 40%
30|30|40
Delivery Methods

How the course is taught, from traditional classroom lectures and riveting discussions to group projects to engaging and interactive simulations and exercises with your peers.

Lecture: Delivery of material in a lecture format - 70%|Discussion or Groupwork: Participatory learning - 20%|Labs: Demonstrations, experiments, simulations - 10%
70|20|10
Levels

What level of expertise and familiarity the material in this course assumes you have. The greater the amount of introductory material taught in the course, the less you will need to be familiar with when you attend.

Introductory: Appropriate for a general audience - 20%|Specialized: Assumes experience in practice area or field - 30%|Advanced: In-depth explorations at the graduate level - 50%
20|30|50