Stribeck Curve Analysis Using Tribometer

When lubrication is applied to reduce the wear/friction of moving surfaces an increasing load can shift the lubrication from several regimes such as Boundary, Mixed and Hydrodynamic Lubrication. The fluid viscosity, the load that is carried by the two surfaces and the speed that the two surfaces move relative to each other combine to determine the thickness of the fluid film. It is this process that determines the lubrication regime. How the regimes react to friction is shown in what is called a Stribeck curve. To evaluate lubricants, and their reaction with applications the Stribeck Curve can be identified using a Pin On Disk Tribometer.

http://www.nanovea.com/Application%20Notes/stribeckcurvetribology.pdf