ABSTRACTUnderstanding Micro-macroscopic Phenomena of Tribological Fluids and Surfaces Mechanical power and motion are transmitted through interfaces under contact and relative motion. Friction is inevitable, which can lead to higher operating and energy costs, and severe frictional rubbing can result in material damage and cessation of motion. A deep understanding of issues related to friction and frictional interfaces is necessary to continue pushing the boundaries on power transmission efficiency and safety. This research explores surface, lubricant, and materials aspects of tribological interfaces and uses both experimental and modeling means to accomplish a better understanding of the interfacial phenomena that occurs during contact and relative motion. The apex seal and housing interface is one of the targeted mechanical systems. The research work ranges from understanding of lubricants and materials to system level modeling; it studies (1) the behavior of a low-molecular weight highly branched polyethylene that yields low friction and can be used as a base oil, (2) the performances of a group of chromium molybdenum coatings, in terms of lubricant film thickness, friction, and wear, (3) a correlation and sensitivity study of tribological performances of engineering surfaces to a number of topographic parameters, (4) laser surface texturing for texture design and understanding of impact of textured surfaces on friction, (5) the design, assembly, and integration of a journal bearing rig for friction experimentation, (6) hydrodynamic and structural performances of fuel pump parts for failure characterization, and (7) numerical Green’s function for piston-cylinder elastic deformation.

Creator

• Pickens III, David Bruce

DOI

• https://doi.org/10.21985/n2-1ts0-5p52

Subject

• Mechanical engineering

Language

• en

Alternate Identifier

• http://dissertations.umi.com/northwestern:15405
• etdadmin_upload_780873

Date created

• 2020-01-01

Resource type

• Dissertation

Rights statement

• In Copyright