The thrust of the research program is on the analysis of the fundamental friction and wear mechanisms of ceramic and metal-ceramic surfaces subjected to high temperatures and large contact stresses. Particular emphasis will be placed on examining the dependence of the tribological properties on some critical parameters such as ceramic layer(s) thickness, temperature, magnitude of surface tractions, interfacial "friction" conditions, and mechanical and thermal properties of layer and substrate materials, in the light of experimental and analytical results. The finite element analysis of layered media subjected to mechanical and thermal surface loads, in conjunction with the experimental work, will result in the development of the necessary criteria for the design of low-friction and wear- resistant layered surfaces for severe contact applications.
