Dr. Syahrullail Samion

This foundational graduate-level course introduces the principles of tribological contact in mechanical systems in relative motion, emphasizing the importance and properties of contact surfaces, materials, and their surrounding environments. Students will explore how system components and contact conditions influence friction and wear, examine the types and roles of lubricants, and assess their impact on lubrication quality and tribological performance. The course also covers analytical techniques for evaluating surface properties, lubricant behavior, and overall system performance, providing a comprehensive understanding of tribological mechanisms. Delivered through lectures and problem-solving sessions with an emphasis on analytical reasoning and practical application, the course fosters critical thinking and hands-on engagement. By the end, students will be able to analyze tribological systems, evaluate lubrication strategies, and apply advanced techniques to design solutions that mitigate friction and wear in engineering applications.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Distinguish the importance of tribological evaluation in the engineering ecosystem.
2. Examine the principles of friction, the underlying mechanisms of friction, and its behavior in engineering machines, highlighting how friction affects machine performance, efficiency, and wear.
3. Differentiate wear and tear mechanisms and techniques used to characterize surface damage on machine elements.
4. Relate the Stribeck curve, basic modes of lubrication, pressure distribution, viscosity influence, lubrication characteristics, and their impact on the lifespan of machine components.
5. Construct advanced topics related to friction, wear, and lubrication through a written report and an oral presentation.

Introduction to tribology

Kinetic and static friction
Friction regimes
Stribeck curve

Fundamentals of Contact between solids
Abrasive, erosive and cavitation wear
Adhesion and adhesive wear
Minor wear mechanism

Physical Properties of lubricants
Oil viscosity
Viscosity - temperature relationship
Viscosity measurement
Other lubricant characteristic

Lubricants and their composition
Mineral oil and vegetable oil
Synthetic oil
Emulsions and aqueous lubricants
Solid lubricant
Greases

Tribological Materials
Surface engineering in tribology
Tribology testing method

Assignment - 20%

Lab work at E07, Level 2, FKM
26-28 Oct 2026
2-4 Nov 2026
9-11 Nov 2026

Case study for "Friction" - 20%
Case study for "Wear" - 20%
Case study for "Lubrication" - 20%

Presentation - 20%
11-13 Jan 2027
18-20 Jan 2027

Total evaluation marks = 100%

No final exam for this course.

* Student must attend not less than 80% of lecture hours as required for the subject.

ASSIGNMENT #1: Analysis and Modern Application of Leonardo da Vinci’s Friction Studies.
For this assignment, read the paper titled "Leonardo da Vinci's Studies of Friction" and select one specific finding made by Leonardo da Vinci. In your assignment, clearly state this finding alongside its exact page and paragraph number from the journal. Based on this finding, develop your assignment by proving the concept, providing modern examples, elaborating on the mechanics or relating it to modern machinery. You are not limited to these suggested approaches and have full academic freedom to determine the direction of your assignment, provided that your work demonstrates strong scholarly value and deep analytical depth. Ensure you include clear references for any sources used.

ASSIGNMENT #2: Tribological system.

To be announced.