Research and Development in Tribology in India

Abstract

The paper reviews the historical development of tribology as a discipline in India. Specific developments in industry, academic institutions and government research laboratories as well as in strategic sectors such as defense, space and atomic energy are reviewed. The country specific and general characters of these developments are discussed. Institutional development is viewed in isolation as well as in relation to other institutions. It is concluded that a new contract needs to be worked out between industry and academia which guarantees development of new and fundamental knowledge while ensuring solution of technological problems which provides competitive edge to industry.