There are two reasons for handling tribological phenomena under vacuum conditions. One is when the tribology of space technology and semiconductor manufacturing technology that itself is in a vacuum is necessary. Another is to obtain basic information of tribological phenomena, particularly, the boundary lubrication. That is, a vacuum is used to remove disturbance factors in surface and atmospheric environments. The wear phenomenon in a vacuum (friction of clean metals and influence of adsorbed gases) that Bowden researched was to remove such films such as oxide on a metal surface and obtain a clean surface. In order to clarify complex boundary phenomena, a vacuum - an ideal environment - was used. Content is found in Bowden's article. Bowden observed technical problems in tribology with a clear eye, saw through to its true nature, and noticed the important factors dealing with boundary lubrication. Particularly, he devised concise experimental methods to clarify, in terms of empirical science, the importance of surface film in boundary lubrication. Furthermore, he seriously considered the experiment result and, based on the result of a macrophenomenon that is the coefficient of friction, accurately surmised the microbehavior that occurs at a contact interface. Bowden's research results using a vacuum can be divided into the role of a surface film based on experimental method, adhesion, and absorption, a boundary lubrication model, and the chemical phenomena under lubrication. Below, together with consolidating the research results of Bowden for each item, we discuss the development of tribological research that has used a vacuum thereafter.
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