Tribology of Interface Layers

<p>Many tribological devices act as viable bearings in contrast to basic hydrodynamic theory. Similarly powder films possess quasi-hydrodynamic features that enable them to act as conventional fluid film bearings. These phenomena have led to a novel definition of lubricants as intermediate layers which are detailed in this book. It illustrates that the various lubrication modes from dry to hydrodynamic to powder lubrication overlap to such a degree that they exist on a tribological spectrum. Based on experimental and theoretical work this text shows how the interdependence of powder and hydrodynamic lubrication exemplify this continuum in tribological processes.</p>