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Tribology: a system approach to the science and technology of friction, lubrication and wear
Wear, 54 (1979) 193 0 Elsevier Sequoia S.A., Lausanne
193
- Printed
in the Netherlands
Book Review
Tribology: a System Approach to the Science and Technology of Friction, Lubrication and Wear, by H. Czicos, published by Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 1978: 400 pages; price $49.50 (Dfl 119.0).
The systems approach is often discussed by engineers as a method of common sense which they have been using for many years. While there may be some truth in this if one is an expert in the field, to many others the systems approach is a powerful method of attacking problems which require a multidisciplinary solution. Czichos has demonstrated how effective the systems approach can be in combining concepts from physics, chemistry, engineering and other technologies in the field of tribology. The book is written in a style which clearly shows the interrelationships of different disciplines in the presentation of the principles and background of tribology. While it may be argued that the material does not represent any major advance in the field of scientific discovery, the object of the book has been fully satisfied. The book is an excellent introduction to the ideas of systems thinking and the use of case studies in chapter eight shows the practical application of the methodology developed earlier in the book. Although more than one third of the book is devoted to the fundamental principles of tribology, the value of chapters two and eight should not be underestimated. It is an excellent introduction to a unified method of combining many disciplines in understanding tribology and as such will be valuable to both undergraduate students and to many practising engineers and technologists. The book is the first in a new series on tribology and has set a high standard for future volumes. Despite the use of a typescript which is not easily read, the general presentation of the book is good and the diagrams and photographs are used effectively. There are 400 pages of text, 430 references and 164 diagrams. J. A. Wylie
193
- Printed
in the Netherlands
Book Review
Tribology: a System Approach to the Science and Technology of Friction, Lubrication and Wear, by H. Czicos, published by Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 1978: 400 pages; price $49.50 (Dfl 119.0).
The systems approach is often discussed by engineers as a method of common sense which they have been using for many years. While there may be some truth in this if one is an expert in the field, to many others the systems approach is a powerful method of attacking problems which require a multidisciplinary solution. Czichos has demonstrated how effective the systems approach can be in combining concepts from physics, chemistry, engineering and other technologies in the field of tribology. The book is written in a style which clearly shows the interrelationships of different disciplines in the presentation of the principles and background of tribology. While it may be argued that the material does not represent any major advance in the field of scientific discovery, the object of the book has been fully satisfied. The book is an excellent introduction to the ideas of systems thinking and the use of case studies in chapter eight shows the practical application of the methodology developed earlier in the book. Although more than one third of the book is devoted to the fundamental principles of tribology, the value of chapters two and eight should not be underestimated. It is an excellent introduction to a unified method of combining many disciplines in understanding tribology and as such will be valuable to both undergraduate students and to many practising engineers and technologists. The book is the first in a new series on tribology and has set a high standard for future volumes. Despite the use of a typescript which is not easily read, the general presentation of the book is good and the diagrams and photographs are used effectively. There are 400 pages of text, 430 references and 164 diagrams. J. A. Wylie