Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Lubricants Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Machine Design and Tribology

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Lubricants (ISSN 2075-4442).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2026 | Viewed by 3944

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Tatjana M. Lazovic

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Machine Design, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: machine design; machine elements; rolling bearings (load distribution, load carrying capacity, service life, and abrasive wear); journal bearings; gears; shafts; bolted joints; cavitation erosion wear; standardization: technical drawing, tolerances, bearings, gears, fasteners, additive manufacturing, and machinery safety

Dr. Snežana M. Ćirić Kostić

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Applied Mechanics and Machine Design, Faculty of Mechanical and Civil Engineering in Kraljevo, University of Kragujevac, 36000 Kraljevo, Serbia
Interests: machine design; additive manufacturing (AM); design for AM; standardization in AM; numerical simulations and analysis; material durability testing; cavitation erosion wear

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Machine design and tribology are closely related disciplines that significantly impact the performance, efficiency, durability, and service life of mechanical systems, as well as their environmental sustainability, material resource management, and, ultimately, the global economy. The operation of machine elements is directly influenced by the development and optimization of their design based on tribological criteria.

This Special Issue invites contributions presenting results from mathematical modeling, numerical simulations, and experimental research in the tribology of machine elements and systems. We aim to highlight advances in the tribological analysis of machine elements made from new materials and the application of emerging manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing. Additionally, studies utilizing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and neural networks for failure prediction and optimization are highly encouraged.

Dr. Tatjana M. Lazovic
Dr. Snežana M. Ćirić Kostić
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Lubricants is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

machine design
machine elements
tribology
wear
abrasive wear
cavitation erosion wear
lubrication
additive manufacturing
machine learning
optimization

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

21 pages, 8850 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Multi-Physics Design of a GGG40 Agricultural Trailer Wheel Hub: Concurrent Topology Optimisation and CFD-Based Lubrication Enhancement

by Onur Gök

Lubricants 2026, 14(5), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants14050207 - 19 May 2026

Viewed by 180

Abstract

Wheel hubs in heavy-duty agricultural trailers operate under demanding conditions comprising rough terrain, impact loads, and highly variable load spectra. Current design practice relies predominantly on experience-based sizing rather than systematic multi-physics analysis. This study presents an integrated design methodology combining finite element analysis (FEA), density-based topology optimisation, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to concurrently improve the structural and tribological performance of a GGG40 spheroidal graphite cast iron agricultural trailer wheel hub. A reference commercial hub geometry was modelled and analysed under multiple load conditions with a safety factor of 5. Critical stress regions were identified, and the free design volume was optimised while preserving all functional surfaces. The optimised design achieved 35% mass reduction (14.9 to 9.6 kg), 30% lower maximum von Mises stress (235 to 165 MPa), and up to 40% stress reduction in the bearing seat region. Oil-circulation channels integrated into the bearing housing raised mean lubrication flow velocity by 28% and eliminated stagnation zones, yielding a more homogeneous oil-film distribution and directly benefiting bearing tribological performance. The proposed framework provides a manufacturable engineering methodology that concurrently addresses structural integrity and lubrication performance in agricultural wheel hub design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Design and Tribology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3677 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Infill Density on the Degradation and Tribological Performance of FDM-Printed PLA for Biomedical Applications

by Nebojša Zdravković, Živana Jovanovic Pešić, Dalibor Nikolić and Dragan S. Džunić

Lubricants 2026, 14(5), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants14050192 - 30 Apr 2026

Viewed by 220

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of physiological body fluids on the mass stability and tribological performance of polylactic acid (PLA) samples produced by Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing. Body fluid exposure was simulated using Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) under controlled conditions. Black PLA filament was printed with three infill densities (15%, 20%, and 90%) and immersed in DMEM for 7 days at 37 ± 1 °C. Mass measurements revealed that lower infill densities resulted in significantly higher mass loss, with the 15% infill samples exhibiting the greatest reduction (5.07%), while the 90% infill samples showed negligible change (0.17%). Tribological testing using a CSM nanotribometer under loads of 5 mN, 500 mN, and 1000 mN demonstrated that infill density critically affects friction and wear behavior. The 90% infill samples exhibited the lowest wear volumes and the most stable tribological response, while the 15% infill samples showed degradation-dominated contact behavior. Although the friction measurements for the 15% infill samples were consistent, their interpretation should be approached with caution due to pronounced surface deterioration and debris-mediated sliding. This behavior is attributed to structural weakening caused by immersion in DMEM, which promoted material degradation and influenced the tribological response. These findings confirm the critical role of structural density in wear resistance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically investigate the combined effect of hydrolytic degradation and tribological behavior of FDM-printed PLA as a function of infill density under simulated physiological conditions. These findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing infill density in the design of PLA-based surgical instrument guides, where both degradation resistance and tribological performance under body fluid exposure are essential. The findings should be interpreted within the limitations of the experimental design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Design and Tribology)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 5526 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dry-Sliding Behavior and Surface Evolution of SLS-Manufactured Glass Bead-Filled Polyamide 12 Bearings

by Ivan Simonović, Dragan Milković, Žarko Mišković and Aleksandar Marinković

Lubricants 2026, 14(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants14010031 - 9 Jan 2026

Viewed by 830

Abstract

This study investigates the tribological behavior of selective laser-sintered (SLS) sliding bearings under dry-sliding operating conditions. These polyamide-12 bearings reinforced with glass beads (PA 3200 GF) were tested against a stainless-steel sleeve in three different pressure–velocity (PV) regimes that represent real operating conditions. The coefficient of friction (COF) and contact temperatures were monitored throughout the experiment, while the specific wear rate was quantified based on mass loss measurements. The evolution of surface topography was analyzed using roughness parameters of the Abbott-Firestone family. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed to identify the dominant wear mechanism. The results show a pronounced running-in phase, after which a stable thermomechanical equilibrium occurs in all regimes. Heavy-loaded regimes increase temperature but accelerate surface adaptation and lower stable coefficients of friction. Lower load regimes have the lowest thermal load but higher friction due to lower real contact. The medium PV regime has a low COF and moderate temperature rise, while peak and core roughness metrics increase more significantly. These results provide an experimentally based insight into the influence of the load regime on the tribological behavior and topography of the SLS-made polymer sliding bearings, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of their operation in real dry-sliding conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Design and Tribology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 2887 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tribological and Rheological Characterization of 3D Printed Polycarbonate: Effect of Layer Orientation, Surface Topography, and Lubrication Conditions

by Jovana Marković, Marija Matejić, Damjan Rangelov, Milan Banić, Jasmina Skerlić, Nevena Jeremić and Miloš Matejić

Lubricants 2026, 14(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants14010028 - 8 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1086

Abstract

Understanding the tribological behavior of additively manufactured polymers is essential for their reliable use in sliding components. Tribological tests were performed on a linear reciprocating tribometer pin-on-plate configuration using a polycarbonate sample (PC–PC). To assess the influence of additive-manufacturing-induced anisotropy, three build orientations (0°, 45°, 90°) were examined. Two normal loads of 39.24 N and 58.86 N, and two sliding velocities of 15 and 20 mm/s were selected to represent typical low-load operating conditions of polymeric components. Tests were conducted in dry contact and with two commercial lubricants exhibiting distinct rheological characteristics. Surface topography was characterized before and after testing to evaluate orientation-dependent roughness evolution, while rheological measurements provided effective viscosities at shear rates corresponding to imposed velocities. Frictional behavior was analyzed through the Stribeck parameter, showing that all configurations operated within boundary or early mixed lubrication regimes. Longitudinal specimen layer orientation (90°) was expected to give the lowest friction. In fact, dominant lowest friction in most of the examination regimes gave the 45° build orientation, whereas the 0° orientation hindered lubricant entrainment and produced the highest boundary interaction. Differences in lubricant viscosity influenced Stribeck positioning and the magnitude of friction reduction, demonstrating strong coupling between layer orientation, roughness evolution, and lubrication performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Design and Tribology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4230 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Analysis and Control Compensation of the Large Optical Mirror Processing Parallel Robot Considering Motion Pair Friction

by Hao Liu, Zujin Jin and Zixin Yin

Lubricants 2025, 13(11), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants13110504 - 18 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 794

Abstract

The dynamic performance of parallel robots directly determines the machining accuracy in large optical mirror processing (LOMP). However, limitations in traditional dynamic modeling methods hinder their application in real-time control, constraining further improvements in robotic precision. This paper aims to establish a high-precision and practical dynamic model that considers joint friction for parallel robots used in LOMP, and to design an efficient real-time friction compensation control strategy to effectively enhance trajectory tracking and repetitive positioning accuracy. The novelty of this work lies in proposing a dynamic modeling approach that integrates the static mechanics-based “Disassembly Method” with a “Coulomb + Viscous” friction model. First, static analysis of the mechanism is conducted using the “Disassembly Method” to accurately compute the joint constraint reactions in any pose, providing critical input for friction calculation. Subsequently, a complete dynamic model incorporating friction in joints such as Hooke joints, composite spherical hinges, and ball screws is developed based on the Newton–Euler formulation. This method overcomes the shortcomings of traditional approaches in solving joint reactions and managing model complexity. Numerical simulations demonstrate that, compared to conventional friction-neglected models, the proposed model reveals a maximum increase of approximately 350 N in driving chain joint reaction forces and significant peaks in driving forces at motion reversal instants (e.g., 0.28 s, 0.45 s), quantitatively proving that neglecting friction severely underestimates the actual system loads. Experimental validation shows that the feedforward PD friction compensator designed based on this model reduces the rotational tracking errors of the moving platform around the X- and Y-axis from 0.295° and 0.286° to 0.134° and 0.128°, respectively, achieving an error reduction of about 55% and effectively improving motion control accuracy. This study provides a reliable dynamic modeling foundation and an effective real-time control compensation solution to address force output errors and trajectory deviations caused by joint friction in high-precision LOMP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Design and Tribology)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Machine Design and Tribology

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI