LAB OF ENGINEERING TRIBOLOGY

Course objectives

Apply the acquired knowledge on tribology for the design of mechanical systems and the analysis of tribology problems. Learn to use simulation tools (experimental or numerical) in a critical way, to analyse and propose solutions to the friction and wear problems within mechanical systems. Being able to develop a project of analysis and / or solution of an industrial problem related to tribology.

Channel 1
DAVIDE TONAZZI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The program is divided into two main parts: a first part dedicated to the recall of basic concepts of contact mechanics and tribology; a second part dedicated to the presentation and analysis of mechanical systems / structures through practical examples by means of experimental and numerical tools: • Introduction to contact mechanics; • Finite element analysis with contact interfaces; • Development of a simplified model of contact between deformable bodies and comparison with the Hertz theory. • Case study of a highly loaded oscillating bearing: analysis of stresses and deformations at the contact; • Stability analysis of a disk-brake system: complex modal numerical analysis; • Description of a tribometer: analysis and design; • Dynamic tests on a rotary and linear tribometer; • Definition and implementation of the measurement chain for the friction coefficient between two materials in sliding contact by using linear tribometer;
Prerequisites
Finite element analysis Numerical analysis Basic concepts of tribology Basic concepts of mechanical measurements
Books
Slides and notes presented during the classes. Contact Mechanics, 16 mag 1985 di K. L. Johnson Computational Contact Mechanics Peter Wriggers
Teaching mode
The course will take place through lectures, during which basic theoretical topics and problems related to tribology will be recalled. Subsequently some numerical and experimental examples will be presented and discussed as well.
Frequency
strongly recommended
Exam mode
Oral presentation of the project followed by questions related to the laboratory program. To pass the exam, the student must demonstrate to have acquired a sufficient knowledge of the topics presented in the program and to be able to apply them to present the final project.
Lesson mode
The course will take place through lectures, during which basic theoretical topics and problems related to tribology will be recalled. Subsequently some numerical and experimental examples will be presented and discussed as well.
DAVIDE TONAZZI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The program is divided into two main parts: a first part dedicated to the recall of basic concepts of contact mechanics and tribology; a second part dedicated to the presentation and analysis of mechanical systems / structures through practical examples by means of experimental and numerical tools: • Introduction to contact mechanics; • Finite element analysis with contact interfaces; • Development of a simplified model of contact between deformable bodies and comparison with the Hertz theory. • Case study of a highly loaded oscillating bearing: analysis of stresses and deformations at the contact; • Stability analysis of a disk-brake system: complex modal numerical analysis; • Description of a tribometer: analysis and design; • Dynamic tests on a rotary and linear tribometer; • Definition and implementation of the measurement chain for the friction coefficient between two materials in sliding contact by using linear tribometer;
Prerequisites
Finite element analysis Numerical analysis Basic concepts of tribology Basic concepts of mechanical measurements
Books
Slides and notes presented during the classes. Contact Mechanics, 16 mag 1985 di K. L. Johnson Computational Contact Mechanics Peter Wriggers
Teaching mode
The course will take place through lectures, during which basic theoretical topics and problems related to tribology will be recalled. Subsequently some numerical and experimental examples will be presented and discussed as well.
Frequency
strongly recommended
Exam mode
Oral presentation of the project followed by questions related to the laboratory program. To pass the exam, the student must demonstrate to have acquired a sufficient knowledge of the topics presented in the program and to be able to apply them to present the final project.
Lesson mode
The course will take place through lectures, during which basic theoretical topics and problems related to tribology will be recalled. Subsequently some numerical and experimental examples will be presented and discussed as well.
  • Lesson codeAAF1896
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseMechanical Engineering
  • CurriculumMechanical engineering design
  • Year2nd year
  • Semester1st semester
  • CFU3