Fundamental and Applied Aspects of Materials Science in Tribology

Dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science SB RAS. The paper reviews the current state of research in the field of sliding friction and wear and the related production technologies with an emphasis on the works of the Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science SB RAS. These works gave fundamental results on structural and phase transformations of materials below the worn surface, which were later used as a basis for the development of wear-resistant materials, hard coatings, lubricants, and friction processing methods. The main mechanisms of deformation and metal flow in the subsurface layer during adhesive friction and friction stir welding are considered. The development of mathematical modeling of friction and wear processes for various materials is traced. Computer modeling of friction and wear processes allowed solving a number of theoretical and applied problems of plastic flow of materials in the sliding contact zone and the development of surface processing methods. The obtained results were used to explain material flow in friction stir welding. The evolution of industrial technologies based on unlubricated and adhesive friction is reviewed.