501: Tribometer in Spacelike Conditions (Multidisciplinary Team)

Tribometers measure several different quantities such as the coefficient of friction, the wear rate, the friction force and the normal force. For space exploration, tribometers must operate in space-like conditions—in a vacuum and in high or low temperatures and pressures. Tribometers exisit that can operate in these conditions, but they typically have long setup times and can only test one sample at a time. Testing more than one sample at a time is important to the aerospace industry because it saves time and therefore reduces costs.

We designed a tribometer model that decreases the setup time and is able to test more than one sample at the same time by having three miniature tribometers side by side. Our tribometer can test in space-like conditions and be both accurate and safe. This is a big step forward for tribological research. Our tribometer will help lead to the increase of high-quality aerospace components. This research increases the understanding of materials under space-like conditions. Overall, our tribometer will lead to the improvement and effectiveness of the aerospace industry and materials.