Keywords

Ultrasound, Viscosity, Viscometer, Lubricant, Lubrication, Thin Layer, Non-Newtonian, Journal Bearing, Engine, In Situ, Real Time, Maxwell

Track

In Situ Tribology II: Material Tribology and Tribotesting Joint Session (Session 3B)

Development of New Ultrasonic Instrumentation to Measure Lubricant Properties in Auto Engines

The viscosity of oil in a thin layers such as an elastohydrodynamic lubricated (EHL) contact is very different to that in the bulk form. Knowledge of that viscosity would help in the design of both lubricants and machine elements. This could in turn help to reduce emissions and engine wear and failure. The inability of traditional viscometers to be employed in the analysis of small volumes of fluid has forced researchers to look for other suitable rheological techniques to study fluid behaviour in thin films. The aim of this research is to study physical properties of thin layers of lubricants by means of ultrasound and to provide techniques and instrumentation with the potential to be used in-situ in operating machine parts.

Authors and Company/Institution

Michele Schirru and Rob Dwyer-Joyce, Leonardo Centre for Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom