Particle tribology: Granular, slurry, and powder tribosystems

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to give the reader a basic understanding of particles in sliding contact. First, we will describe granular flows (the flow of inelastic particles that transfer momentum primarily through collisions) from a tribology perspective, including modeling and experiments that have been conducted inside and outside of the tribology community. Second, slurry flow (particles in gas or liquids) tribosystems will be discussed including models and experiments related to the flow of particles in fluids. And finally, we conclude with a section on powder lubrication (soft particles which coalesce under load and coat surface asperities), where thick and thin film powder lubrication is discussed along with select modeling and experimental approaches.