ASM Handbook : Friction, Lubrication, and Wear Technology

This handbook is a comprehensive guide to basic concepts, methods of laboratory testing and analysis, materials selection, and field diagnosis of friction, lubrication, and wear problems. Emphasis is placed on practical information to provide engineers with the tools needed to understand the tribological behavior of materials and solve problems on the job.

The publication of this Volume marks the first time that the ASM Handbook has dealt with friction, lubrication, and wear technology as a separate subject. However, the tribological behavior of materials and components has been of fundamental importance to ASM members throughout the history of the Society. ASM International traces its origins back to 1913 with the formation of the Steel Treaters Club in Detroit. This group joined with the American Steel Treaters Society to form the American Society for Steel Treating in 1920. In the early history of the Society as an organization devoted primarily to heat treating, one of the key interests of its membership was improving the wear properties of steel.

In 1933 the organization changed its name to the American Society for Metals, completing its transformation to an organization that served the interests of the entire metals industry. This change led the Society into many other areas--such as metalworking, surface finishing, and failure analysis--where friction, lubrication, and wear are key concerns. In 1987 the technical scope of the Society was further broadened to include the processing, properties, and applications of all engineering/structural materials, and thus ASM International was born. This Handbook reflects the wide focus of the Society by addressing the tribological behavior of a broad range of materials.

The comprehensive coverage provided by this Volume could not have been achieved without the planning and coordination of Volume Chairman Peter J. Blau. He has been tireless in his efforts to make this Handbook the most useful tool possible. Thanks are also due to the Section Chairmen, to the members of the ASM Handbook Committee, and to the ASM editorial staff. We are especially grateful to the over 250 authors and reviewers who so generously donated their time and expertise to make this Handbook an outstanding source of information.