Tribometers, or devices to measure friction and wear, are the basic technology used in most of the tribological investigations. ... The purpose of a tribometer is to provide simulation of friction and wear under controlled conditions.

How does a tribometer work?

During a typical test, a ball is slid on an angle along a track until it impacts a surface and then bounces off of the surface. The friction produced in the contact between the ball and the surface results in a horizontal force on the surface and a rotational force on the ball.

How do you measure tribological properties?

Tribometry is the measurement of friction and wear of tribological systems as performed by a tribometer. Tribometers are the instruments used to evaluate a material's tribological properties, including friction, wear and even adhesion, hardness and other contact mechanics.