VICKSBURG, Miss. – The invention titled “Tribometer with Real-Time Observation of Interface Processes,” patented under number 11835444, is a significant advancement in tribological testing. The inventors have developed a tribometer that integrates advanced imaging technologies to enable real-time observation of material interactions at the interface during friction and wear testing, providing critical insights into the performance and behavior of materials under various conditions.
This grant was filed on September 30, 2020, and officially awarded on December 5, 2023, to the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army under the leadership of Dr. James Lever.
Lever’s team included Dr. Susan Taylor, research physical scientist; Mr. Garrett Hoch, research electronics engineer; and Dr. Emily Asenath-Smith, research materials engineer.
What Does the Tribometer Do?
This new tribometer brings a major advancement in testing materials, especially in industries where friction and wear are key concerns, like automotive, aerospace and manufacturing. Unlike traditional tribometers, which only measure friction and wear, this device also lets researchers see the actual interactions between materials during the testing process.
The tribometer uses advanced imaging technologies like infrared cameras and optical microscopes to capture both thermal and visual data while materials are tested. This dual technology helps researchers understand how materials react under pressure, including how they wear down, deform or generate heat.
How Does the Tribometer Work?
The device consists of a rotating disk, which is both see-through and transparent to infrared light, allowing researchers to monitor the surface and temperature changes of materials in real time. The disk is connected to a motor that allows it to spin, while a pivoting arm holds the material being tested in place against the disk.
With this setup, the tribometer can test various materials under different conditions, such as extreme cold, and provide real-time visual and thermal feedback. This combination of technologies provides an in-depth look at how materials respond during wear and friction, helping engineers make better predictions about their durability and performance.
Real-World Applications
This invention is particularly useful for testing materials in cold environments, such as those used in vehicles that operate in icy conditions, like snowplows or sleds. By understanding how materials behave under these conditions, scientists can improve materials designs, leading to stronger, longer-lasting products.
The tribometer’s ability to observe friction and wear at the material interface offers valuable insights that could transform industries that depend on material performance. This technology can help optimize products, making them more efficient and durable.
Emily Asenath-Smith, one of the researchers involved with the project, noted, “By combining tribological measurements with cutting-edge imaging technologies, this tribometer has the potential to accelerate innovation for materials used in cold regions, such as in sled runners and vehicle tracks and treads.”
The “Tribometer with Real-Time Observation of Interface Processes" is a major step forward in material science. By merging traditional testing with cutting-edge imaging technology, it offers researchers a way to directly observe how materials interact under stress, improving our understanding of friction and wear.