ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book describes the functions and characteristics of a number of interface layers capable of acting as tribological films. It deals with the subject of overlapping tribological regimes for particular areas. The book also deals with the umbrella covering hydro-dynamic and powder lubrication regimes. It presents three continuum curves embracing tribological regimes from “dry” to granular films, the latter looping at its extreme end back to dry contacts. The three segments taken up there were boundary and hydro-dynamic lubrication and their linkage to powder films. Godet’s mechanism of “third-body” lubrication, due to the role that wear particles play in tribological kinematics, can be extended and boosted in efficacy by deliberately introducing such debris into the contact zone. The entire spectrum of tribological regimes is predicated to be operating on the simultaneous presence of both elements, which, together, are responsible for generating load capacity.
