This is the first episode in a two-part series exploring the fundamental principles of friction, tailored for lubrication engineers and tribologists. In "Friction Unveiled," we delve into the essential question: What is friction and why is its understanding so critical in our field? We will differentiate between static and dynamic friction, illustrating their distinct behaviors and implications. The episode will highlight practical examples where managing friction is paramount, examining scenarios where low friction is desired—such as enhancing the efficiency of race cars, extending the range of electric vehicles, optimizing turbofan performance, and improving the general operation of most machinery. Conversely, we will explore applications where high friction is essential for safety and function, including the critical roles of brakes and tires, with a specific example of wet brakes in cranes. Finally, we will introduce the key methods for controlling friction, providing an overview of lubrication regimes, the significance of viscosity, the role of lubricant additives, and the impact of surface coatings, concluding with some final thoughts on the pervasive influence of friction in engineering.
For more information, visit Vern's presentation on friction and traction.
For a brief video demonstration of our conversation, check out our YouTube Short.
Join us for Part II on July 28, 2025!
Our Panelists:
Vern Wedeven, President of Wedeven Associates, Inc. (WAI), is a leading expert in tribology research and development, with a career spanning over three decades. Since 1987, he and his team at WAI have pioneered specialized tribology test machines and methods, culminating in the innovative Tribology-by-Design (T/D) approach—a comprehensive system integrating theory, tools, methodology, and strategy to solve complex tribological challenges. Dr. Wedeven's significant contributions include advancements in space propulsion systems, such as the Space Shuttle Main Engine turbopumps, and aeropropulsion, with work on jet engine oils, bearings, and gear materials. An alumnus of Calvin University, the University of Michigan, and Imperial College, London, his extensive experience includes tenures at NASA Glenn Research Center, NASA Headquarters, and SKF-America. He has authored over sixty technical papers, contributed to three books, and holds three patents. A Fellow of STLE, Dr. Wedeven has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Walter D. Hodson Award, the Captain Alfred E. Hunt Award, the Arch T. Colwell Cooperative Engineering Medal, and the STLE International Award.
Marc Ingram has over 10 years experience working in Tribology. His masters degree in Chemistry and PhD in Engineering (Tribology) helps him easily bridge the gap that so often exists between lubricant formulator and field/test engineer. He has worked with all major oil and additive companies after a successful career at Imperial College, PCS Instruments and Afton Chemical. Marc has extensive knowledge of all tribology test methods inc
For more information on STLE, please visit https://www.stle.org/ If you have an idea for our podcast, or interested in being a guest, please Email STLE Director of Professional Development Robert Morowczynski at rmorowczynski@stle.org . Also, we love your feedback, please take a minute to provide us with your thoughts at Perfecting Motion Podcast Feedback or Email us at rmorowczynski@stle.org.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.