n.
Study of the interactions of sliding surfaces.
It includes three subjects: friction , wear, and lubrication . Many manifestations of tribology are beneficial and make modern life possible. Many others are serious nuisances, and careful design is necessary to overcome problems caused by excessive friction or wear. Friction uses up, or wastes, a substantial amount of the energy generated by humans; in addition, a great deal of productive capacity is devoted to replacing objects that have worn out.