Book excerpt: The second edition of a bestseller, this book introduces tribology in a way that builds students’ knowledge and understanding. It includes expanded information on topics such as surface characterization as well as recent advances in the field. The book provides additional descriptions of common testing methods, including diagrams and surface texturing for enhanced lubrication, and more information on rolling element bearings. It also explores surface profile characterization and elastic plastic contact mechanics including wavy surface contact, rough surface contact models, friction and wear plowing models, and thermodynamic analysis of friction.