CONCEPT FOR AN ADVANCED TRIBOLOGICAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The conduct of research on advanced tribological systems in order to determine the best solutions in terms of the durability and reliability of technical objects containing these systems requires a multifaceted and comprehensive approach due to the complexity of tribological processes occurring during operation. Observation of these processes is complicated and limited due to the inaccessibility of the friction zone. Therefore, progress in improving tribological characteristics is mainly determined by developing laboratory test methods. From the point of view of describing the tribological properties of the surface layer, the geometric structure of the surface (shape, waviness, roughness and surface defects), the structure of the physicochemical zones (microstructure, mechanical properties, physicochemical properties), and the ability to properly interact with the lubricant should be taken into account. Studies of advanced tribological systems should therefore include two complementary test methods, i.e., friction wear tests and surface layer tests (as manufactured and as operated). This paper presents a concept for research on advanced tribological systems and a justification for conducting complementary research on these systems, referring to selected examples (processing tools, joint implants, and dental implants). The research results are examples which illustrate the essence of conducting complementary research.