Welcome to the Friction, Wear, and Machinability User Center

The mission of the Friction, Wear, and Machinability User Center (FWMUC) is to enable the selection, development, and use of advanced materials and surface treatments by characterizing their frictional behavior, their durability under wear-causing conditions, and their response to machining processes, especially grinding.  

Three complementary areas of characterization comprise the FWMUC, and the instruments that support these areas represent a wide spectrum of capabilities.  Experienced staff is available to guide and educate the users in the proper use of equipment and in the interpretation of research results.

User from BTN evaluates a novel surface coating for use on piston rings

Precision, single-point turning of silicon nitride

Most of the facilities in the FWMUC were made possible through past and continuing support from the U.S. Department of Energy’s research programs in transportation technology.  Some instruments were specially-designed at ORNL, and as such are one-of-a-kind.   In addition to studies of advanced materials for engine components, the FWMUC has hosted a wide spectrum of user projects, ranging from studies of dental materials to rolling mill rolls, and from bio-implants to alloys that resist oil-drilling environments.  We enjoy the challenge of working on interdisciplinary research problems, but our main focus is on materials aspects of tribology and machining.

The principal technical contact for discussing potential projects in the FWMUC is Dr. Peter J. Blau, User Center Leader; tel. (865) 574-5377, e-mail blaupj@ornl.gov.