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The research group „Tribology“ investigates the tribological systems in hydraulic and pneumatic applications to increase the understanding.

Investigations of the various tribological and fluid technology issues are carried out on different levels of abstraction, from tribometer investigations to complex multi-body systems. The aim is, to ensure the transferability of the results to real systems for the optimization of existing tribological systems. In parallel to experimental investigations, analytical and simulative models and methods are developed, expanded and validated for describing the observed effects. Through this, locally critical conditions can already be evaluated and optimized during development.

The ifas has extensive experience and expertise in the development and operation of highly specialized tribology test rigs. These include special test rigs for determining frictional forces in sealing systems at relative speeds of up to 10 m / s as well as test rigs for determining the leakage or penetration of other fluids via rod sealing systems and valve geometries. There are also several tribometers for examining abstracted contacts under different lubrication conditions and material pairings. This range of test rigs is extended by single contact test rigs, which enable tribological measurements on series or near-series components.

The research results are intended to improve and expand the physical and / or empirical understanding of tribological contacts and systems. This enables the modelling of efficient and durable components of fluids as well as the lifetime prediction of the same.