Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM
Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM

Predicting friction and wear

© Dirk Mahler/ Fraunhofer IWM

Tribology

This business unit carries out research into friction and wear. We optimize tribological systems and develop solutions that reduce friction and protect against wear with the aid of technical ceramics, innovative lubricants, tribological layer systems and tribo-materials conditioned for manufacturing technology.

We investigate friction, abrasion, running-in and wear mechanisms as they affect the tribo-chemistry of machine elements such as roller and slide bearings, cutting and forming tools or motor and gear elements. We use experimental techniques, multi-scale modeling and numerical simulations as well as microstructure analysis.

 

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MikroTribologie Centrum µTC

Project Group New Drive Systems NAS 

 

Services 

 

Determination of mechanical and tribological properties of materials, composites and coatings under operational conditions

Evaluation and optimization of the performance of protective wear-resistant coatings and friction contacts

Load analyses, trials and evaluation of failure mechanisms for metal, ceramic and plastic components

Production and evaluation of smooth and structured diamond-like carbon coatings for large sliding and rolling loads

Development and application of lifetime prediction methods

Wear Protection, Advanced Ceramics

 

We use experimental friction and wear analysis methods to determine friction coefficients and wear rates, including Stribeck curves. We test, assess and ...

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Multiscale Modeling and Tribosimulation

 

We perform numerical simulations on various scales into the static and dynamic properties of material systems in order to understand the relationship between the ...

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Polymer Tribology and Biomedical Materials

 

We develop mechanical tests with which to assess the reliability and service life of orthopedic and dental materials and implants in order to determine, for ...

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Tribological Coatings    

 

One of the keys to reducing friction and protecting against wear is to coat components with diamond-like carbon (DLC) or hydrocarbon layers. With the help of in-built elements that modify networks into ...

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Applied Nanotribology

 

The causes of tribological problems can be found at various levels - from the nano to the micro or the macro scale. Molecular interactions at the atomic level characterize, for instance, the behavior of a lubricant in ...

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© Fraunhofer IWM

MikroTribologie Centrum µTC

The Fraunhofer IWM and the Institute of Applied Materials – Reliability of Components and Systems (IAM-ZBS) at the Karlsruhe Institute for Technology KIT cooperate with each other in the Tribology research department. The joint initiative MikroTribologie Centrum µTC combines the competencies of these two institutions in industrially relevant research, in fundamental research and in academic activities.

A particular highlight here is the customized Tribo-Contact – the key to success for energy efficiency, a long service life and cost effectiveness.

© Fraunhofer IWM

Project Group New Drive Systems NAS 

Drive systems for future mobility concepts, as well as energy sovereignty and sustainable energy supplies, are some of the most significant scientific and technological challenges faced by society today.

The Fraunhofer Project Group for New Drive Systems NAS consequently aims to advance applied research and pilot-level product development in these areas.