Editorial
In this issue we are pleased to present five papers covering different aspects of tribology.
Three different papers from Turkey are looking at wear. The subjects covered are ceramic coatings for automotive use, how the wear performance of steel changes with temperature and the wear performance of welded repair made to concussor jaws.
From India is an arithmetical analysis of a slider bearing operating under special lubrication conditions. Completing the issue is a joint paper from General Motors and a Chinese university reporting on work done investigating the durability of modern motor oils.
Of course wear is our main enemy in the tribological world but are we directing our research resources in the correct direction? The last paper mentioned above is essentially looking at piston rings in engines. It has been claimed that 45 per cent of engine internal friction is derived from this source so any frictional savings made here should have a significant benefit for fuel economy, emissions and so be environmentally very important. Is other research in universities actually reflecting environmental concerns and the desire to reduce energy consumption?
It does seem that we need to involve more large companies in joint research programmes around the world to focus efforts on the immediate problems facing us.
What do you think?
John TaylorEditor
