Citation
Taylor, J. (2005), "Editorial", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 57 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.2005.01857caa.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Editorial
In this issue of ILT we are publishing five new pieces of work.
Included is work on esters as components in synthetic engine oils, bearing distortion, flow coefficients, magnetic fluid exclusion seals and the use of magnetic fluids in parallel plate bearings.
As authors will know we are building a data base in which is included an abstract for each paper presented. The idea is to provide an easy reference for others working in a similar field.
Another innovation as far as ILT is concerned is that we are gradually introducing a more rigorous review system to try and maintain and possibly improve the overall quality of the journal. One of the key factors we will be looking at in the review stage is the authors comment in the abstract on the value and usefulness of the work presented.
Of course, we must develop our basic knowledge of tribological processes, but it would be exciting if research was fuelled by the need to solve a real world problem.
As an example, we have the situation where major changes are being made in the chemical make up of modern engine oils so that emission control equipment is not damaged by engine oil contamination. It is not obvious that this area has been embraced by university research departments even though fundamental ideas are involved.
Indeed it could be argued that the lack of basic work is leading to oil chemical formulations being established by trial and error or on the basis of individual personal theories.
We would be very pleased to hear from any researchers operating in this or other areas, where the objective is to solve a current technical problem.
John Taylor