Fluid Film Lubrication : Cambridge University Press : 9780521898232 : 0521898234 : 17 Mar 2011 : "The term tribology, meaning the science and technology of friction, lubrication, and wear, is of recent origin (Lubrication EngineeringWorking Group, 1966), but its practical aspects reach back to prehistoric times. The importance of tribology has greatly increased during its long history, and modern civilization is surprisingly dependent on sound tribological practices. The field of tribology affects the performance and life of all mechanical systems and provides for reliability, accuracy, and precision of many. Tribology is frequently the pacing item in the design of new mechanical systems. Energy loss through friction in triboelements is a major factor in limits on energy efficiency. Strategic materials are used in many tribo-elements to obtain the required performance"--Provided by publisher.