Peter Jost, who has died aged 95, coined the term “tribology” (from the Greek word “tribo” – I rub) to describe the science of friction, wear, and lubrication – giving birth to a new engineering discipline.
In 1966 Jost published a report, commissioned by the government, which showed, for the first time, that the problems of lubrication in engineering were mainly problems of design. Their solutions, Jost argued, needed a range of skills from scientific disciplines other than mechanical engineering – including chemistry and materials science, solid body mechanics and physics.
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Peter Jost was a British engineer and inventor who is most well-known for coining the term "tribology" in 1966. He is considered the Father of Tribology because he was one of the first scientists to recognize the importance of studying the science and technology of friction, wear, and lubrication in order to improve the efficiency and longevity of mechanical systems.
Peter Jost made several notable contributions to tribology, including the development of the Jost Report in 1966 which highlighted the economic impact of friction, wear, and lubrication on industrial machinery. He also helped establish the first international conference on tribology in 1969 and co-founded the International Tribology Council in 1966.
Peter Jost's work in tribology had a significant impact on the engineering and manufacturing industries. His research and findings helped improve the efficiency and longevity of machinery by identifying and addressing issues related to friction, wear, and lubrication. This has ultimately saved companies millions of dollars in maintenance and repair costs.
Tribology is still a highly relevant and important field in modern technology. Some current applications of tribology include the development of more efficient lubricants, the use of coatings and surface treatments to reduce friction and wear, and the design of new materials with improved tribological properties.
The future of tribology is promising as it continues to play a crucial role in improving the efficiency and reliability of machinery and equipment. With the growing demand for more sustainable and energy-efficient technologies, tribology will also play a key role in developing solutions to reduce friction and wear, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and cost-effective society.