Module: Surface Engineering and Tribology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Surface Engineering and Tribology
Module Code	MEC1084 (ITS: MM530)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

The aim of this module is to advance new understanding and methods that will provide new bearing, coated and surface interaction components for developing superior products and processes in the following industries: Heavy Machinery Automotive Products Railroads Lubricants Electronic and Data Processing Aerospace Chemicals Coatings Bioengineering

Learning Outcomes

1. Analytically design hydrodynamic, hydrostatic, elastrohydrodynamic, dry and boundary lubrication systems and components
2. Analytically design coated components produced via Vapour and Thermal Spray techniques to address residual Stress development and in the prevention of wear and to enhance tribological features of coatings
3. Design a bearing system analytically and to compare its design against numerical and experimental findings in a research content.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	36	Lecture Hours
Tutorial	24	Tutorial hours
Assignment Completion	37.5	Assignment
Fieldwork	90	No Description
Total Workload: 187.5

Section Breakdown
CRN	12226	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	20%	Examination Weight	80%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Joseph Stokes	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Project	Design a bearing system analytically and compare the results against experimental and numerical results	20%	Week 10
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	80%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Tribology
The syllabus investigates the following areas; Introduction to Tribology, Friction, Wear, and Lubrication, Chemical and Physical State of the Solid Surface and of Lubricants, Hydrodynamic Lubrication, Elasto-Hydrodynamic Lubrication, Boundary Lubrication and associated cases studies to support the subject

Surface Engineering
The syllabus also investigates the following areas: Coating Deposition by Hard Facing (Flame Spraying, Thermal Plasma and HVOF Spraying). Coating Deposition from the Vapour Phase, (CVD, PVD, PECVD), Surface Treatments by Thermal and Chemical Processes, and Tribological Applications of these Coatings and Surfaces along with case studies

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Bhushan, B., Gupta, B.K,,: 0, Handbook of tribology : materials, coatings, and surface treatments,,
Holmberg, K,,: 0, Coatings tribology : properties, techniques, and applications in surface engineering,,
Arnell, R.D.,: 0, Tribology : principles and design applications,,
Neale, M.J.,: 0, The tribology handbook,,
Stolarski, T. A,,: 0, Tribology in machine design,
Booser, E.R.,,: 0, CRC handbook of lubrication: theory and practice of tribology,
Strafford, K.N.,,: 0, Surface engineering : processes and applications,,
Davis, J.R.,,: 0, Handbook of thermal spray technology,,
Jahanmir, S.,,: 0, Friction and wear of ceramics,,
Williams, J.A.,,: 0, Engineering tribology,,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None

Indicative Content and Learning Activities Tribology The syllabus investigates the following areas; Introduction to Tribology, Friction, Wear, and Lubrication, Chemical and Physical State of the Solid Surface and of Lubricants, Hydrodynamic Lubrication, Elasto-Hydrodynamic Lubrication, Boundary Lubrication and associated cases studies to support the subject Surface Engineering The syllabus also investigates the following areas: Coating Deposition by Hard Facing (Flame Spraying, Thermal Plasma and HVOF Spraying). Coating Deposition from the Vapour Phase, (CVD, PVD, PECVD), Surface Treatments by Thermal and Chemical Processes, and Tribological Applications of these Coatings and Surfaces along with case studies