Tribomechadynamics (also referred to as TMD for short) is a new discipline within Mechanical Engineering that combines Tribology, Contact Mechanics, and Structural/Nonlinear Dynamics. This new discipline is being used to show that by simultaneously considering all three of these topics, it is possible to redesign components and structures to be more efficient, reliable, and longer lasting. Additionally, the holistic view offered by Tribomechadynamics is enabling a new approach to joint mechanics in which the fundamental physics of mechanical interfaces is being elucidated, allowing for predictive approaches to modeling and optimizing assembled structures for the first time. For specific examples of ongoing research in Tribomechadynamics, please visit the Tribomechadynamics Lab website.
The summer of Tribomechadynamics is organized around three programs: a series of tutorials and short courses, the Tribomechadynamics Research Camp, and the Tribomechadynamics Conference. In odd years, all three events are hosted at Rice University. In even years, the short courses and research camp are hosted at Imperial College London (2018, 2022, etc.) or the University of Stuttgart (2020, 2024, etc.), and no conference is held. The summer of Tribomechadynamics is organized by Prof. Matthew Brake of Rice University, Prof. Christoph Schwingshackl of Imperial College London, and Prof. Malte Krack of the University of Stuttgart. More information on each of the activities can be found via:
For more information, contact Prof. Matthew Brake of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Rice University, brake@rice.edu.