Abstract
Recent theoretical developments linking degradation to the thermodynamic concept of entropy have allowed a new approach to modeling all types of degradation. The theory has been successfully applied to wear, fatigue, and numerous other forms of degradation and experimentation has confirmed its applicability to modeling the mechanical degradation of lubricating grease. This paper overviews the mechanical degradation of grease, discusses past and present modeling techniques, shows how new techniques can be used to predict grease life, and provides suggestions for future research.
Highlights
Grease is a common lubricant composed of base oil and a thickener and is used extensively in machinery due to its unique properties
These results indicated two separate regions of grease degradation with two different slopes: an initial, relatively brief, region with rapid degradation followed by a long region with slower degradation
Entropy has proven to be an effective tool in developing models of degradation, and its application to grease shows promise for useful life prediction
Summary
Grease is a common lubricant composed of base oil and a thickener and is used extensively in machinery due to its unique properties. It is often the first choice of lubricant for rolling bearings, journal bearings, slider bearings, gears, pivots, couplings, guides, pin-bushings, and sliding contacts, especially if these are to be placed in an inaccessible location [1,2]. Grease is thixotropic, meaning its properties change with time upon agitation (shearing) [3]. The change in bulk properties due to shearing is mechanical degradation and is one of the main ways through which grease degrades
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
