Workshop: Tribology – Wear and damage mechanisms (with tribometer and AFM demo)

Tribology is the study of friction, wear and lubrication and is a vitally important to many branches of industry. Wear is complex and typically consists of several mechanisms within a single tribological interaction. Understanding the type of wear allows for systems to be improved to increase efficiency and reduce failure of components. The study and optimisation of tribological interactions has potential for massive energy and financial savings.  

Tribometers are used extensively to study the wear and frictional behaviour of various materials. AFMs can produce maps of the surface topography and measure roughness and wear (on the nanoscale). Since 1922, Anton Paar develops, produces, and distributes an array of highly accurate laboratory instruments.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Samuel McMaster completed his PhD in 2020 at the University of Leeds where he investigated the nanomechanical properties of diamond-like carbon coatings to assess tribological performance under the supervision of Prof. Tomasz Liskiewicz, Prof Ben Beake and Prof. Anne Neville. Dr McMaster is currently a Materials Scientist (KTP Associate) at Coventry University and is the Event Manager of Surface Ventures.