Manual 56, Guide to Friction, Wear and Erosion Testing, is now available from ASTM International. Authored by Kenneth G. Budinski, the manual is an excellent resource for newcomers to tribology and a useful reference for practicing tribologists.

Manual 56 provides the details of how to conduct tribotests, including their implications, how to avoid pitfalls, and which are most useful. The book describes the many manifestations of friction wear and erosion and suggests specific tests that can be used to address problems. It provides guidance in determining if bench tests are appropriate for a problem and if so, which ones should be considered.

The manual also describes 112 ASTM standards that apply to tribology problems, and contains schematics on 154 tribotesting devices, 48 photos of worn parts to help readers identify wear modes, more than 100 charts and line drawings presenting test results and trends, and case histories of tribology problems that were solved by bench testing. It touches on every aspect of tribotesting, discusses alternates to testing, such as modeling and simulations, and addresses newer types of tribotests for nano and bio applications.

Copies of Manual 56 are available for $77 from ASTM Customer Service at 610-832-9585, [email protected], or online at www.astm.org.