THE HYDRODYNAMIC THEORY OF LUBRICATION IN RUSSIA: STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT, CURRENT STATE, PROSPECTS

The paper, consisting of two parts, discusses the main stages of the development of the hydrodynamic theory of lubrication, the current state, prospects. The paper describes the main scientific schools, each of which has made a significant contribution to the development of the hydrodynamic theory of lubrication. The first part is devoted to the founder of the hydrodynamic theory of lubrication N.P. Petrov, the development and establishment of Kazan and Samara scientific schools. The second part of the paper will tell about Chelyabinsk, Orel and Rostov scientific schools. (Research purpose) The research purpose is analyzing and systematizing review and historical materials in the field of formation and development of hydrodynamic lubrication theory in Russia using the example of the main scientific schools. (Materials and methods) Conducted a historical and scientific analysis of literary sources, original works of domestic scientists at the stages of the development of the hydrodynamic theory of lubrication. (Results and discussion) The outstanding achievements that professors N.P. Petrov, G.A. Pospelov, V.A. Maksimov, A.M. Soifer, A.I. Belousov and others contributed to the history of the development of the hydrodynamic lubrication theory were considered. In the development of the hydrodynamic theory of lubrication, three periods have been quite clearly identified, which are chronologically related to the dominance of certain types of machines. In the first period (1880-1915), the dominant machines were transport vehicles, for which it was necessary to increase the intensity of operation. In the second period (1915-1950), the main machines in which sliding bearings played a primary role were turbines and compressors, the bearings of which had high relative sliding speeds. The third period (1950-1980) is characterized by a wide penetration into the science and technology of computers, a sharp reduction in the gap between theoretical and applied sciences. (Conclusions) The scientific schools presented in the article have made a significant contribution to the development of the hydrodynamic theory of friction and lubrication and to scientific research and development to create methods and tools aimed at increasing the efficiency of domestic aviation and rocket and space technology.