Lubrication

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Lubrication is a process or technique employed to reduce wear of one or both surfaces in close proximity, and moving relative to each another, by interposing a substance called lubricant between the surfaces to carry or to help carry the load (pressure generated) between the opposing surfaces. The interposed lubricant film can be a solid, (e.g. MoS2) a solid/liquid dispersion, a liquid, a liquid-liquid dispersion gasses.

Types of Lubrication[edit | edit source]

There are three distinct types of lubrication: boundary, mixed, and full-film.

Boundary Lubrication[edit | edit source]

In Boundary lubrication, the bodies come into closer contact at their asperities; the heat developed by the local pressures causes a condition which is part of the boundary lubrication state.

Mixed Lubrication[edit | edit source]

Mixed lubrication is a condition in which a lubricant film (oil film) does not completely separate the friction surfaces, but significantly affects the friction and wear rates.

Full-film Lubrication[edit | edit source]

In Full-film lubrication, the motion of the contacting surfaces, and the design of the bearing is used to pump lubricant around the bearing to maintain the lubricating film.

Lubrication Theory[edit | edit source]

Lubrication theory is the science of studying lubrication – its type, flow and the lubricants. It is a discipline that is guided by the principles of fluid dynamics and tribology.

Lubricants[edit | edit source]

Lubricants are typically used to separate moving parts in a system. This separation has the benefit of reducing friction and surface fatigue, together with reduced heat generation, operating noise and vibrations.

See Also[edit | edit source]


Lubrication Resources

Find a healthcare provider anywhere in the world quickly and easily!

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD