Hydrodynamic Friction Research Articles

Correlation between friction and wear of rubber: An experimental approach based on the disconnections of Stribeck curves

Correlation between friction and wear of rubber: An experimental approach based on the disconnections of Stribeck curves

Transient Dynamics of a Porous Sphere in a Linear Fluid

This article describes the unsteady translational motion of a porous sphere with slip-surface in a quiescent viscous fluid. Apart from its radius a and density ρs , the particle is characterized by its permeability parameter γ , slip-length l and effective viscosity-ratio ϵ for interior flow. The Reynolds number for the system is assumed to be small leading to negligible convective contribution, though the transient inertia for both the liquid and the solid is comparable to viscous forces. The resulting linearized but unsteady flow-equations for both inside and outside the porous domain are solved in time-invariant frequency domain by satisfying appropriate boundary conditions. The analysis ultimately renders frequency-dependent hydrodynamic friction for the suspended body. The frictional coefficient is computed under both low and high frequency limit for different values of γ, l and ϵ so that the findings can be compared to known results with impermeable surface. Moreover, the parametric exploration shows that the sphere acts like a no-slip body even with non-zero l if aγ ≫ 1/√ϵ . Scaling arguments from a novel boundary layer theory for flow inside porous media near interfaces explain this rather unexpected observation. Also, computed fluid resistance is incorporated in equation of motion for the particle to determine its time-dependent velocity response to a force impulse. This transient response shows wide variability with ρs, γ, l and ϵ insinuating the significance of the presented study. Consequently, the paper concludes that slip and permeability should be viewed as crucial features of submicron particles if unexpected variability is to be explained in nano-scale phenomena like nano-fluidic heat conduction or viral transmission. Thus, the theory and findings in this paper will be immensely useful in modeling of nano-particle dynamics.

Non-Polar Chain-Enabled Suspension of Carbon Nanoparticles in Base Oil

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) has introduced new challenges in lubrication, demanding innovative solutions to ensure consistent performance. One promising approach is the use of nanoparticle additives, which have the potential to improve lubrication performance significantly. However, achieving a stable suspension of these nanoparticles in lubricating oils remains a critical challenge, as suspension stability is essential for maintaining consistent performance and maximizing the benefits of these advanced additives. In this study, carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) were modified with dodecylamine (DDA) to achieve stable suspension in nonpolar fluids. The successful functionalization was confirmed by the FTIR results, which showed characteristic peaks of various bonding. The suspension stability tests demonstrated that DDA-CNPs remained suspended for over 60 days in the Polyalphaolefin (PAO) oil, whereas unmodified CNPs were sedimented within 3–7 days. The rheological behavior was measured under different shear rates and temperatures. Viscosity measurements indicated that DDA-CNPs maintained a lower value compared to base PAO. The lubricants’ friction coefficient (COF) was also determined under various speeds and loads. The addition of DDA-CNPs at a concentration of 0.05 wt.% resulted in a significant reduction in COF, with values decreasing by 26% compared to base PAO oil under a load of 1 N. Additionally, the COF for DDA-CNPs was consistently lower than that of PAO, with reductions ranging from 15% to 18% across all tested speeds. The Stribeck curve further highlighted the improved performance of DDA-CNPs across boundary, mixed, and hydrodynamic lubrication regimes. These findings suggest that DDA-CNPs significantly improve the lubrication performance of PAO oil, making them suitable for advanced lubrication applications in automotive and industrial systems.

Using lubricant composition to control friction-induced-vibration in an elastomer-steel contact representing a hydraulic seal

Hydraulic seals are key industrial components that can suffer from unwanted friction induced vibration (FIV). The types of FIV mechanism that occur in these components, and how they may be controlled, are not well known. We conducted sliding friction tests on contacts between seal materials, lubricated by hydraulic fluids, under speeds and contact pressures typical of hydraulic machines. FIV that occurred under certain conditions was captured and analysed. Results suggest 1) two FIV mechanisms are occurring: classic stick-slip and speed dependant friction instability, the 2) occurrence and severity of these mechanisms are correlated with the ratio of static to dynamic friction and the gradient of the friction vs. speed (Stribeck) curve, respectively, 3) these parameters can be controlled by including an appropriate additive package in the lubricant and this significantly reduces FIV, 4) most FIV occurs at low temperature and high load since these both lead to low kinetic friction (due to thicker hydrodynamic films and smoother surfaces) and thus promote stick-slip. This may explain instances of noise known in practice as the “Monday-morning effect” and suggests how this too may be alleviated through lubricant formulation.

The Anisotropic Mechanical and Tribological Behaviors of Additively Manufactured (Material Extrusion) Implant-Grade Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK)

In this study, we investigated the mechanical and tribological properties of the layer-by-layer structure of additively manufactured implant-grade Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) through the Material Extrusion (ME) process as a potential substitute for artificial joints. The effective elasticity modulus of the anisotropic 3D-printed PEEK was determined to be 2.505 GPa along the vertical and horizontal build orientations. The lubricated friction and wear performance were assessed using a pin-on-disk test under various loads, including 14, 30, 50, and 70 N, with a sliding speed of 50 mm/s over a total distance of 1 km at 37 °C. The contact parameters between the hemispherical steel pin and 3D-printed PEEK disks, involving contact pressures over the circle of contact, were observed to increase as the load increased. The results indicated that the wear coefficient exhibited a rise from 1.418 × 10−5 to 2.089 × 10−1 as the applied loads increased, signaling a shift from mild to severe wear regimes. Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) as a lubricant exhibited a mixed mechanism, ascertained through the Stribeck curve, as well as a minimum fluid film thickness of 1.346 nm under an isoviscous–elastic regime, as calculated by the maximum load. Moreover, the mechanism governing wear during sliding, influenced by both normal axial and shear loads, primarily involved adhesion.

Evaluation of surface texturing on chrome-coated cylinder liners via deterministic mixed lubrication simulation

This study investigates the mixed lubrication performance of various surface texture configurations in the piston ring/cylinder liner conjunction of a two-stroke internal combustion engine using a deterministic mixed lubrication model. The numerical model simultaneously solves the Reynolds equation with mass-conserving cavitation to calculate inter-asperity hydrodynamic pressures and an elastic, perfectly plastic, rough contact model to determine contact pressures at each asperity interaction. Gaussian Mixture Model clustering was employed to enhance surface characterization. The deterministic simulation approach considers the full-scale representation of the cylinder liner topography to accurately capture the influence of surface features on the hydrodynamic support and friction under mixed lubrication conditions. The investigated cylinder liners were initially hard-chrome-coated and honed, resulting in a stochastic arrangement of surface pores, and then deterministic patterns of surface pockets were created by micro electrodischarge machining (EDM). Surface measurements were performed using laser interferometry, providing input for the mixed lubrication simulations. The study also explored the virtual removal of ridges formed around the pockets by the EDM technique. Key findings indicate that the stochastic texture outperformed the hybrid texture (stochastic + deterministic) in the boundary and mixed lubrication regimes, showing higher hydrodynamic support at low separations but increased hydrodynamic shear stresses at higher speeds. Conversely, deterministic textures exhibited a significant decrease in average hydrodynamic shear stress at high velocities. These results highlight the critical role of surface texture in tribological behavior and suggest that localized textures on cylinder liners can potentially optimize engine performance. The study recommends further exploration of a broader range of texture geometries, densities, and distribution patterns to enhance engine design strategies.

Investigations on tribological behavior under lubricated condition of post heat treated additively manufactured SS316L parts

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the friction and wear mechanisms in lubricated sliding conditions of additively manufactured SS316L parts. The different viscous oils 5W30, 15W40, 20W50 and SAE140 are used. These investigations provide a theoretical basis for the high performance of printed and postheattreated SS316L.Design/methodology/approachTribological tests were carried out on selective laser melting-made SS316L printed specimens and heat-treated specimens. The parameters in 15 min of test duration are 20 N of load, 200 rpm, 8 mm of pin diameter, 25 mm length, 80 mm of track diameter and EN31 counter disc body. This work presented the phenomena of lubrication regimes and their characterization, as identified by the Stribeck curve, and these regimes affect the tribological properties of additively manufactured SS316L under the influence of industrial viscous lubricants. The results are observed using Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and wear tests.FindingsThe observations indicate that additively manufactured SS316L shows a reduced coefficient of friction (COF) and specific wear rate (SWR). This is credited to the utilization of different viscous lubricants.Originality/valueThis exclusive research demonstrates how various viscous lubricants affect the COF and SWR of printed and post-heat-treated SS316L parts. Lambda (λ), lubricant film thickness (h0), surface roughness and wear mechanisms are studied and reported.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-04-2024-0110/

Lubrication condition monitoring of journal bearings in diesel engine based on thermoelectricity

There is still a lack of effective lubrication condition monitoring methods in the field of diesel engines. The paper proposes a novel thermoelectric approach to divide the lubrication state of bearings. First, the generation mechanism of thermoelectric potential on bearings is clarified. Then, both experimental and simulation studies are done, and a strong correlation between lubrication and thermoelectric potential is shown. The film thickness and temperature are further confirmed as significant factors influencing thermoelectric potential. Generally, the thermoelectric potential increases with temperature. However, a small film thickness ratio (when the film thickness ratio is less than 4) will suppress the thermoelectric potential. Three typical lubrication states of bearings are distinguished through thermoelectric potential and supported by the Stribeck curve results. Moreover, the significant influence of lubrication on the bearing is confirmed through the analysis of surface morphology and composition.

Temperature-Dependent Rotational Dynamics of Non-Polar Solute in Non-Polar Solvents: Influence of Boundary Conditions.

Rotational dynamics of 3-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-7-(diethylamino)-2H-chromen-2-one (3BT7D2H-one) non-polar solute in non-polar solvents has been studied by varying temperature to find out how hydrodynamic friction is influenced by solute-size ratio. It has been observed that the rotational dynamics of 3BT7D2H-one follow the Stoke's-Einstein-Debye (SED) model in an n-hexane solvent and it follows the Gierer and Wirtz (GW) model in an n-decane solvent. The probable reason is due to the solute-solvent size ratio which influences boundary conditions parameters and consequently on rotational dynamics of solute.

Optimum texture shape under different lubrication conditions applied to the start-up phase of journal bearings

This paper presents a parameterized model to optimize the texture units using an improved particle swarm optimization. The texture units are optimized under three lubrication states: boundary lubrication, mixed lubrication, and hydrodynamic lubrication, by utilizing the Stribeck curve. The optimal texture units can be applied to journal bearings and thrust bearings in different operating conditions to achieve maximum load-carrying capacity. The paper applies the optimal textures under the three lubrication states to the start-up stage of journal bearings to examine the lubrication performance and dynamic characteristics of the textured journal bearing system. The results demonstrate that compared to the untextured journal-bearing system, the introduction of optimal textures improves the tribological performance of the journal-bearing system, and the optimal textured units under hydrodynamic lubrication have the best friction reduction effect. Furthermore, it is found that the introduction of textures has no significant effect on the dynamic characteristics of the journal bearings.

Tribological properties of real foods using extended Stribeck curves and their relationship with nutritional and rheological parameters.

The tribological properties of 19 commercial food products, grouped into six categories (yogurt, dressings, spreads, porridges, emulsified sauces, and syrups) were investigated in relation to their rheological (dynamic oscillatory shear test) and nutritional properties (fat, carbohydrate, and protein). A tribological system (a glass ball and three polydimethylsiloxane pins) generated the extended Stribeck curve, monitoring friction factors (f) over an extended range of sliding speed (v) (10-8 to 100 m/s). Tribological parameters (f, v) at four inflection points dividing the frictional regimes (X1, breakaway point between the static and kinetic regimes; X1-X2, boundary; X2-X3, mixed; X3-X4, hydrodynamic regimes) and the slope between X3 and X4 (s) were subjected to principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering on principal components, using rheological and nutritional parameters as quantitative supplementary variables. Tribological patterns were predominantly influenced by viscosity, viscoelasticity, yield stress, fat content, and the presence of particles (e.g., sugar, proteins, and fibers) and pasting materials (e.g., starches and modified starches). The 19 tribological patterns were classified into 3 clusters: low f and s for fat- and/or viscoelastic-dominant foods (Cluster 1), low f and high s for food emulsions and/or those with low extent of shear-thinning (Cluster 2), and high f at the boundary regime either for the most viscous foods or for those in the presence of particulates (Cluster 3). These results suggest that the compositional and rheological properties have a more profound impact on the classification of complex tribological patterns than the categories of food products.

Numerical study on tribology properties of textured surfaces based on a new contact model

The frictional properties of textured surfaces are closely related to the contact between rough peaks in the mixed lubrication. A model for rough peak contact between polyurethane and metal was already developed in a previous study. This study aims to further analyze the influence of various parameters on the friction properties of textured surfaces based on the previously developed theoretical model. As found, the friction coefficient increases with the increase of the root mean square roughness, and the increasing magnitude shows an upward trend. The friction coefficient varies with different texture shapes, and among the four shapes, the spherical texture has the smallest friction coefficient. In addition, either small or large texture depths can adversely affect the friction coefficient. The friction coefficient decreases and stabilizes with the increase of area ratio. The effect of working parameters on the friction coefficient coincides with the Stribeck curve.

Computational framework for predicting friction law under mixed-boundary lubrication, and its application to sheet metal forming process

The role of friction in the forming of automotive parts composed of ultra-high-strength lightweight metals has become increasingly important as industry attempts to overcome inferior formability and springback against enhanced strength. At the tool-design stage, finite-element simulations should use more accurate and efficient friction models that account for complex friction behavior between the metal and tool surfaces. Complex friction behavior is commonly dependent on contact pressure, sliding velocity, microscale surface effects (or roughness), and lubrication, among other factors. This study presents a microscale, asperity-based friction model of mixed-boundary lubrication. The developed hydrodynamic friction model is based on the load-sharing concept, which considers the lubrication area and metal-to-metal contact separately. Lubricant film thickness is calculated to couple the existing boundary lubrication model, and film lubrication behavior is formulated using finite-element programming of the Reynolds equation to obtain the hydrodynamic pressure. The proposed computational framework is validated by simulating an in-line incremental die-forming process. The result shows that the predicted friction law with multi-scale, mixed-boundary lubrication can be efficiently applied to realistic sheet-metal-forming simulations with reasonable accuracy by accounting for complex frictional behavior.

Controlling stick–slip in low-speed motion with a lifting force of magnetic fluid

Stick–slip is a standard friction-induced self-excited vibration that usually occurs in the boundary or mixed lubrication regimes. Broadening of the hydrodynamic lubrication regime is conducive to suppressing stick–slip motion. In this paper, the load carrying capacity of a magnetic fluid (MF) film in the presence of a magnetic field is derived based on the modified Reynolds equation. An additional lifting force produced by MF under the magnet was applied between the tribopairs to achieve the full fluid lubrication. Thus, the stick–slip is expected to be inhibited in a lower speed scope. The effect of magnet thickness on the lifting force is investigated experimentally and theoretically. Special attention is given to the influence of the lifting force on the friction and the critical transition speed of the hydrodynamic lubrication regime. Results demonstrate that the lifting force increases with the increment of the magnet thickness. The presence of the additional lifting force expands the hydrodynamic lubrication and makes the critical transition speed move left, as shown by the friction transitions on the Stribeck curve. Therefore, stick–slip motion can be suppressed at a lower sliding speed. Such beneficial effects are more pronounced in thicker magnets. It can be confirmed that, so long as the lifting force is higher than the normal load, the friction will invariably operate in the full film lubrication and the stick-slip motion may be eliminated theoretically.

Incremental analysis of load handling device deflection considering lubrication degradation for predictive maintenance

In the Industry 4.0 era, unmanned automated factories heavily rely on load handling devices (LHDs), which are indispensable but susceptible to failures. Deflection is a crucial health indicator, with excessive deflection causing issues such as tilting and reduced positioning accuracy. This underscores the necessity for reliable deflection prediction methods in LHDs, a currently under-researched area, essential for informing predictive maintenance strategies. This study introduces an incremental analysis method that addresses the impact of internal cumulative wear and lubrication degradation on deflection increase. It involves iteratively updating a multiparametric model to represent the cumulative wear process and utilizes an empirical model based on the Stribeck curve to describe lubrication degradation. To enhance accuracy, particle filtering (PF) is employed to revise friction coefficients derived from the empirical model. Experimental data from an LHD operating in a load-carrying mission validates the accurate and robust nature of this method, particularly when compared with non-friction coefficient revising counterparts. As a typical application case study for preventive maintenance, this method is utilized to simulate various scenarios of lubrication replenishment and quantify the effect of timing on LHD lifespan enhancement through lubricant replenishment. The results facilitate the optimization of maintenance schedules and offer a new approach for updating lubrication-related parameters in digital twin models of equipment-level products, in line with preventative maintenance strategies.

On the importance of the experimental setup design in hydrodynamic journal bearing friction measurement

Improving operating conditions and reducing the friction-related power losses of hydrodynamic journal bearings could lower emissions and contribute to efforts for a faster green transition. Experimental studies play an important role in evaluating and improving the performance of plain journal bearings. The concept of the experimental setup for friction measurements of journal bearings is well defined in the relevant standards, but the actual design is always left to the researchers conducting a particular study. Our study reveals that common practical assumptions about the frictional power losses caused by components of the experimental setup can lead to misleading conclusions about the measured coefficient of friction. The research premises were tested on the developed experimental setup using two methods for measuring the coefficient of friction and different load interfaces. In particular, the direct torque measurement using strain gauges on the shaft demonstrated the strongest correlation with theoretical values. However, the result was affected by the correct evaluation of the frictional losses of the support ball bearings. Conversely, the Stribeck curves showed that the combination of the indirect cantilever method and load interface with direct radial force application led to inferior results. The intricate interactions between setup components and unknown frictional conditions made straightforward geometric corrections challenging. The study encourages researchers in the field to critically assess their experimental setups and to rely on their own assessment of frictional losses.

High-Temperature and High-Pressure Tribological Properties of Siliconized Graphite for Water-Lubricated Thrust Bearing Application in Main Coolant Pump

The effect of the microstructure of siliconized graphite on tribological properties is investigated by using a high-temperature and high-pressure water-lubricated tribometer on a self-mated ring-on-ring configuration under an applied load of 500–1500 N with a spindle speed of 100–5000 rpm in both 90 °C (5 MPa) and 25 °C (1 MPa) water environments, respectively. The Stribeck curves measurement and continuous wear tests are performed and analyzed in both water environments. The wear behaviors of the graphite, SiC, and free-silicon phases in siliconized graphite are demonstrated to explore the wear mechanism. The larger wear depths of a low-worn surface roughness on the three phases contribute to the boundary lubrication. The shallower wear depths are observed on the SiC and Si phases under the mixed lubrication, corresponding to partial contact wear of surface asperities. The wavy surface of the SiC phase and uniform flow-oriented striae of the Si phase are attributed to hydrodynamic lubrication, caused by full water film scouring the worn surface. Finally, an integrated evaluation method of G duty parameters is successfully used to identify the lubrication regimes of siliconized graphite from the boundary, mixed, to hydrodynamic lubrications for a water-lubricated thrust bearing application in the main coolant pump of a nuclear power plant.

Dynamic Characterization of Grease-Lubricated Ball Screws

According to the lubrication characteristics of grease and lubrication mechanism, concerning the Hamrock-Dowson minimum film thickness formula, this paper analyses the trend and size of oil film thickness change of grease-lubricated ball screw sub under different aviation working conditions to identify the lubrication status. ABAQUS software is used to carry out dynamic simulation and the friction coefficient is selected according to the lubrication state and Stribeck curve to define the contact conditions to obtain the friction torque change curve and the fluctuation curve of axial velocity of the nut under different aerospace working conditions. Finally, a test bench is set up to test and calculate the friction torque of grease-lubricated ball screws to analyze the influence of different aviation working conditions on the dynamic characteristics of grease-lubricated ball screws and to investigate the reasons for the change of dynamic characteristics.

Comparative tribological investigation of castor oil and its transesterified and aminolyzed derivatives

This study compared the tribological performance of castor oil (CO), its transesterified (TCO), and aminolyzed (ACO) forms. A limited number of research articles are available regarding the tribological properties of these modified forms, especially the aminolyzed. Assessments included film thickness, piezoviscosity, Stribeck curve, and scuffing resistance. The film thickness followed the same order of the dynamic viscosity, i.e.: CO > ACO > TCO. The chemical modifications reduced the piezoviscosity, which was estimated as following: CO > TCO > ACO. ACO exhibited the lowest coefficient of friction (CoF) in the mixed and boundary regimes. ACO with a strong adsorbed film and lower piezoviscosity (consequently stable viscosity and reduced heating) demonstrated superior tribological properties (higher scuffing resistance and lower CoF).

Analyses of wrinkling mechanisms during forming of multi-layer woven fabric reinforced thermoplastic prepregs

Thermoplastic composites have made their way into the aerospace industry. The forming of prepregs with different ply orientations induces both intra-plane shear and inter-ply slippage behaviors, and the wrinkling risk is strongly increased by improper parameter control. This paper aims to investigate the deformation behavior of prepreg with different ply orientations and of wrinkling mechanisms during forming. A simulation approach of multi-layer thermoplastic prepreg based on a variable friction model with Stribeck curves and a non-orthogonal constitutive model is developed. The relationship between the local fiber deformation and the development of wrinkle defects is revealed. The results show that the balance between the three deformation mechanisms of shear, bending, and slippage behaviors determines the preform quality. Fiber compression induced by inter-ply friction is the main mechanism of wrinkle defects in the forming process of multi-layer thermoplastic prepregs.