Surface analysis requirements for tribology

This section discusses the surface and interface analysis methodology needed for the investigation of a tribological contact. It will not describe the potential- 

Basically, surface analysis is applied in tribology in two ways  

Post mortem examination of failures in real working systems. This helps to identify the origins of the failures, with the possibility of recommendation for remedial or preventative action. 

Systematic surface analytical studies on model or ideal systems. These are performed in order to understand the mechanisms and underlying physics and chemistry of various phenomena, such as the reactions promoted by additives, the effects of adsorption on friction and adhesion, and the degradation of a thin lubricant coating in a severe environment. 

Dimensional criterion. In tribological contact processes both lateral and depth dimensions are important, the former because of the size and shape of wear debris and the latter because of the presence of thin films. It is therefore vital to match the characteristics of a technique to the dimensions of the analysis. 

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