Tribology and the Liquid-Crystalline State

This volume is oriented toward industrial applications of liquid crystals in the friction-lubrication area. Broad techniques are stressed, leaving the path open for varied applications. Individual topics discussed include the lubricating properties of liquid crystals, numerical analysis of layered liquid crystals in a thin wedge, spectral changes of liquid crystals undergoing shear in a simulated bearing, temperature effects on the tribological properties of thermotropic liquid crystals, the effect of liquid-crystalline structures on lubrication of aluminum surfaces, the basis of the use of lyotropic liquid crystals in lubrication, and film thickness and frictional behavior in concentrated point contacts.