Progress and development in thermodynamic theory of friction and wear

Tribology theory lags well behind engineering needs because of those complex and multi-dimensional characteristics associated with friction and wear. The mechanism of friction is reviewed and discussed from a static thermodynamics perspective; research methods on the process of friction and wear and thermodynamic studies within the field of tribology are also reviewed. We propose that entropy can be a critical parameter in describing the evolution of friction and wear, and the entropy balance equation could be considered as a fundamental cornerstone for a systematic tribology theory. Applications of irreversible thermodynamic theory of tribology to various fields are reviewed.