Research progress on material friction and wear testing methods

Purpose This study aims to review the progress in friction and wear experimental research. Design/methodology/approach Initially, it elucidates the evaluation methodologies and classifications of friction and wear testing machines. Subsequently, it consolidates the prevalent methodologies and techniques used in friction and wear experiments, encompassing friction coefficient assessment, wear volume quantification and surface morphology inspection. The discussion then delves into the friction and wear characteristics of friction pair materials under various contact conditions – point contact, line contact and surface contact within diverse environments such as dry friction, lubrication, elevated temperatures and high pressures. This discussion includes the friction coefficient, material removal amount and surface morphology of the friction pair materials. Findings Friction and wear testing serves as a fundamental research methodology within the fields of materials science and mechanical engineering. Based on the distinct forms of contact between friction pairs, these tests can be meticulously categorized into three primary types: point contact, line contact and surface contact. These classifications not only reflect the diversity of geometric characteristics at the friction interface but also profoundly influence the complexity of friction and wear behavior as well as the depth of exploration into underlying mechanisms. This paper summarizes and synthesizes the wear mechanisms of materials and the evaluation of lubricants under varying environmental conditions and different frictional states. Originality/value This paper projects the future trajectory of friction and wear experimental research, pinpointing potential directions and focal points for upcoming investigations. This paper reviews the latest advances in friction and wear experimental research, providing a certain reference value for promoting research and applications in the field of friction and wear. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2025-0322/