This January Dr Kieran Nar, Applications Development Engineer at PCS Instruments, attended the 25th International Colloquium Tribology at Technische Akademie Esslingen (TAE).

Set against a snowy Esslingen backdrop, the conference was incredibly well organised, and credit goes to the TAE group for delivering such a smooth and professional event. The 25th edition brought together a strong European audience alongside delegates travelling from further afield, creating a genuinely international atmosphere.

One of the things Kieran valued most was the balance of industry and academic presence across both the talks and the exhibition. The programme reflected the full breadth of tribology research and application, and the exhibition space remained busy throughout. Companies including TriboTonic and R.Wölfel Analysentechnik GmbH were exhibiting, contributing to the lively feel of the event.

It was also a great opportunity to catch up with familiar faces and meet new ones, something that remains a central part of gatherings like TAE.

PCS contribution

Kieran presented during the Testing and Measurement Techniques session with his talk:

“Thermoviscous EHL Traction Behaviour of Lubricating Oils Using an Ultra High Speed Tribometer.”

His presentation explored traction behaviour in elastohydrodynamic lubrication contacts at ultra-high sliding speeds, with a focus on thermoviscous effects and advanced tribometry. It was also an opportunity to discuss the HSD with attendees and share how ultra-high-speed testing is supporting evolving research challenges.

Highlights from the programme

A standout talk for Kieran was:

“Electrically Induced Surface and Subsurface Damages in Lubricated Contacts”
Balasubramaniam Vengudusamy and Robert Lupovic

The session reflected the growing importance of understanding electrically driven damage mechanisms in lubricated systems, an area attracting increasing attention across both academia and industry.

It was also encouraging to see how widely PCS Instruments are being used for R&D. Research presented at the colloquium featured work using the MPR, MTM, MTM-EC, EHD, EHD-HS, ETM and HSD, highlighting the role of robust test methods in supporting ongoing tribological research.

Looking ahead

Between the technical sessions, exhibition discussions and conversations around the HSD, the 25th International Colloquium Tribology provided a valuable few days of exchange and insight.

Thank you again to the TAE group for hosting such a well-run event!

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