When invited to submit this review, my first response was that I am in no way qualified to review a book written by one of the preeminent experts on tribology and wear. I am a chemist by training and was brought into the science of tribology because my career has been spent mostly developing and servicing lubricants. After reading the first couple of chapters, though, it became evident that this book was written for me and others like me who are trying to understand or address wear problems using what we know best and are most comfortable with.
Since earning a Ph.D. in metallurgical engineering from Ohio State University, Peter J. Blau has gained nearly 40 years of experience in basic and applied research with NASA, the U.S. Air Force Materials Laboratory, the National Bureau of Standards and the U.S. Office of Naval Research, and spent over 26 years with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He has been elected a fellow of ASM International, ASTM International and the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. Blau is coeditor-in-chief of the journal Wear.
In Blaus words, the primary goal of this book is to present a systematic approach for defining tribosystems and their characteristics. The book focuses on process and encourages the reader to examine wear problems from several perspectives, revealing multiple options for approaching them and evaluating possible solutions. The proposed system is detailed, precise and structured, while also helping the reader see the big picture when addressing wear problems.
Organized into six chapters, Tribosystem Analysis leads the reader through defining and setting boundaries for tribosystems, how wear problems present themselves, categorizing wear types and assigning codes using consistent terminology, selecting methods of observing and analyzing wear, completing a tribosystem analysis (TSA), and using the TSA tool to select tribotests, with examples along the way. Numerous references are provided for readers who wish to explore specific topics in greater depth.
The centerpiece of the proposed diagnostic process is the tribosystem analysis tool. The groundwork for filling in TSA tables is laid in the first four chapters, in which the author defines tribosystems and discusses setting their boundaries, determining that a wear problem exists, and available wear observation techniques such as visual inspection, surface imaging, vibration, motor current signal analysis, oil analysis, ferrography and radionucleotide wear detection.
Blau also proposes a hierarchical system of surface damage classification based on the relative motion of the interacting surfaces of interest, as well as observations of features of the contact and characteristics of any debris. This contrasts with other systems that categorize wear in mechanistic terms. Codes are assigned to the wear types so they can easily be added to TSA tables and referenced.
The primary function of the TSA is to define the wear or friction problem in the context of its surrounding mechanical, chemical and thermal environment. Wear terminology is explored, with the aim of standardizing the information going into the TSA. This is essential so that collections of TSA forms can serve as experience-based sources of information that can be cross-referenced when investigating problems.
Detailed instructions are provided for filling in TSA tables. Time is an important dimension. Mechanical damage can occur as a single event or progressively, and a contact can experience different types of wear over time. Different categories of wear can exist on different areas of the same part due to initial wear changing part geometry over time. Preventing one wear mechanism can delay the onset of later wear modes.
Flexibility in tailoring the TSA to fit specific problems is discussed along with examples. Although it is important to fill out as much of the TSA as possible, the author recognizes the value in pinpointing what is not known about the tribosystem as well as what is known.
The final chapter describes how to use the TSA in problem solving: Completing the TSA is not an end in itself, but can rather lead to one or more approaches to a solution. Blau recommends using the TSA along with tribotests and consultation with experts. Operator involvement in the problem should not be ignored. An effective way to screen tribotests for a specific problem is to complete the TSA for each candidate test and compare them with the problem TSA.
Twelve approaches are listed for solutions to wear problems. They range from doing nothing, to replacing parts or the lubricant, to redesigning the equipment. Each can be used along with tribotesting. The multidisciplinary aspect of tribosystem problems is reflected in the variety of approaches cited.
When a book is published by anyone of Blaus status, expectations are high. I believe the book achieves the stated goals and exceeds them. The book is clearly written so anyone with a technical background can understand and benefit greatly from the material when faced with a wear issue. I found myself stopping several times while reading, thinking how a certain point could have helped me in the past or how it could help now.
Ted McClure is technical resources manager for SLC Testing Services in Westlake, Ohio, and team leader for technical resources at Sea-Land Chemical. He has 30 years of experience in the lubricants industry. Email him at ted.mcclure@slctesting.com