| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/M97145/01 |
| Title: |
BEHAVIOUR OF LUBRICANTS AT ASPERITES IN MIXED LUBRICATION |
| Principal Investigator: |
Spikes, Professor HA |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Department: |
Mechanical Engineering |
| Organisation: |
Imperial College London |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 October 2000 |
Ends: |
30 September 2003 |
Value (£): |
209,014
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Eng. Dynamics & Tribology |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Manufacturing |
Chemicals |
| Transport Systems and Vehicles |
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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The applicants have recently developed a technique for mapping the thickness of very thin lubricant films in contacts between rought surfaces subjected to both rolling and rolling-sliding. This can measure the separation at asperity contacts down to less than 2 nm, and thus directly study micro-elastohydrodynamic lubrication for the first time. The proposed work will apply this technique to investigate the influence of lubricant properties and composition on micro-EHD. Both model surface features (tiny, sputtered chromium and iron ridges and bumps) and real rough surfaces will be employed. The former will permit deformation maps to be used to determine pressure fields in contact.The study will focus on the influence of lubricant rheology and additives on film formation and pressure distribution at asperity conjunctions. Base fluids with very different high pressure rheological properties will be compared to ascertain the role of lubricant rheology in asperity lubrication. The ability of additive boundary films to survive in asperity conjunctions will be determined.The work will improve understanding of mixed lubrication and provide data to validate modelling studies. It will help manufacturers optimise surface finish and lubricant design. It should lead to further understanding of processes such as micropitting and scuffing.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.imperial.ac.uk |