LUBRICATION RESEARCH

LUIS DANIEL DE LA GARZA PEREZ

UNIVERSIDAD TECNOLOGICA DE DURANGO SISTEMAS MECANICOS II
 WHAT IS LUBRICATION?

Lubrication can be defined as the

application of oily or greasy substances,
also called ‘lubricants’, in order to reduce
friction and allow moving machine parts
to slide smoothly past each other.

Lubricants form a film between the

metal surfaces of machine parts to
avoid metal-to-metal contact and to
keep the machine running efficiently.

WHICH USES AND TYPE OF LUBRICATION EXISTS?

- Physical separation: Lubricants keep the moving parts of machinery,

from directly coming in contact, by forming a thin layer between them.

- Reduces friction: Perhaps the most important single function of

lubricants is to dramatically reduce the friction caused on surfaces of the
moving parts of a machinery.

- Anti-Corrosion: Lubricants are also widely used, for their anti-corrosive

properties. Lubricants typically stick to the surface and ensure that they
don’t directly come in contact with air and moisture, so as to avoid
corrosion.

- Energy Transfer: Machines when operating at high speeds typically

generate a lot of energy, usually in the form of heat. Excess heat can be
extremely damaging to your machinery, and most of them come with
detailed instructions as to how long to operate continuously.
 - Gas Sealing and contaminants: You must have seen that mechanics can
tell, just by looking at the oil of your bike, as to whether they have to be
replaced or not.

Oils
Oil is the most commonly used lubricant in manufacturing plants. It is used
for applications with gears, hinges, bearings, etc. They are suitable to use in
high temperatures and high-speed applications. For oxidation and corrosion
prevention.

Greases
Grease is the mix of oil, thickener (soap), and additional lubricants (such as
Teflon). The mix of these components gives grease a different texture,
thickness, and viscosity. However, it exhibits a similar lubricating property as
oil.
Pastes
Paste provides a similar working function as grease. However, it consists of a
greater mix of solid lubricants which gives it its thick texture. The combined
effect of base oil, thickeners (may or may not be included), and a solid
lubricant.

Dry lubricants
Dry lubricant is suitable when oil or grease cannot be used for lubrication
purposes in extreme operating conditions such as vacuum, corrosive
environment, or extreme temperatures. These can be classified into
powdered form solid lubricants, sliding film, or bonded coatings and are
usually available in spray form.
Additives
Additives are an important addition to the base oil to enhance the properties
of the lubricants. They are organic or inorganic chemical compounds that are
usually blended at the rate of <1 to 35 % of the oil volumen.
 THE IMPORTANCE OF LUBRICANTS
The movement of two surfaces can create resistance due to friction (figure 1
left). This can lead to the wear and tear of the machinery. In automotive or
manufacturing applications, lubricants facilitate the uninterrupted movement
between machinery parts. It does so by reducing the mechanical resistance
between the material surfaces. As the lubricant is applied to the material
surfaces, it creates a thin film and cushions the microscopic roughness in the
surface to make the sliding of the materials easier with less resistance (figure
1 right). Liquid lubricants are especially beneficial in this case, as they can take
any shape to smooth out the uneven surface and reduce friction.

PROPERTIES OF LUBRICANTS

OILS
GREASES

PASTES
 SIGNS OF LACK LUBRICATION

Lack of lubrication in various mechanical systems can lead to increased

friction, wear, and potential damage. Here are some common signs that
indicate a lack of lubrication:

1. Increased Friction:
• Unusual or increased resistance in moving parts.
• Difficulty in turning knobs, handles, or rotating components.

2. Overheating:
• Elevated temperatures in the machinery or equipment.
• Unusual warmth or hot spots in areas where friction occurs.

3. Unusual Sounds:
• Squeaking, grinding, or screeching noises during operation.
• Increased noise levels, especially in rotating parts.

4. Vibration:
• Excessive vibration in machinery or equipment.
• Vibrations can indicate metal-to-metal contact due to lack of
lubrication.
5. Wear and Tear:
• Visible signs of wear, scoring, or damage on components.
• Premature wear on bearings, gears, or other moving parts.

6. Reduced Performance:
• Decreased efficiency or performance of the equipment.
• Sluggish or jerky movement in mechanical systems.

7. Leakage:
• Oil or lubricant leaks around seals or gaskets.
• Loss of lubricant levels over time.

8. High Energy Consumption:

• Increased energy consumption due to higher friction.
• Inefficiencies in the system leading to increased power
requirements.

9. Frequent Component Failures:

• Increased incidents of component failures or breakdowns.
• Parts wearing out faster than expected.

10.Visible Dryness:
• Lack of visible lubricant on moving parts.
• Dry, rusty, or discolored components.
 What is the Stribeck curve?

The Stribeck curve is a graphical representation of the relationship between

friction and lubrication in mechanical systems. It is named after the German
engineer Richard Stribeck, who conducted pioneering research on the subject
in the early 20th century. The curve illustrates how friction varies with
different levels of lubrication in a system.
The Stribeck curve typically consists of three main regions:
1. Boundary Lubrication:
• In this region, there is insufficient lubrication to fully separate
the interacting surfaces.
• Friction is high, and the surfaces may experience direct metal-to-
metal contact.
• This stage is characterized by high wear and increased friction.
2. Mixed Lubrication:
• The mixed lubrication region is an intermediate phase where
both direct contact and some fluid film lubrication coexist.
• Friction is reduced compared to boundary lubrication, but wear
is still a concern.
3. Hydrodynamic (or Elastohydrodynamic) Lubrication:
• In this region, a sufficient film of lubricant is present between
the surfaces, preventing direct metal-to-metal contact.
• Friction is significantly reduced, and wear is minimized.
• The lubricant forms a hydrodynamic wedge, lifting and
separating the surfaces.
The goal in lubrication is to operate within the hydrodynamic region where
friction and wear are minimized. Achieving this ensures efficient and smooth
operation of mechanical systems.

Can vibrations induced by lack of lubrication be calculated? How is

it calculated?

The calculation of vibrations induced by a lack of lubrication in machinery can

be complex and depends on various factors such as the type of machinery,
the nature of the lubrication deficiency, the materials involved, and the
operating conditions. In general, the vibrations resulting from insufficient
lubrication are often a consequence of increased friction and wear in the
system.
To estimate or calculate vibrations induced by a lack of lubrication, you might
consider the following general steps:
1. Friction Analysis:
• Evaluate the frictional forces between moving components due
to the lack of lubrication.
• Understand the changes in friction coefficients as lubrication
decreases.
2. Contact Mechanics:
• Use contact mechanics principles to analyze the interaction
between surfaces experiencing increased friction.
• Consider factors such as surface roughness, material properties,
and contact geometry.
3. Dynamic Analysis:
• Employ dynamic analysis techniques to model the response of
the system to changes in friction and wear.
• This may involve finite element analysis (FEA) or other numerical
methods to simulate the behavior of the system.
4. Vibration Analysis:
• Perform vibration analysis to quantify the vibrational
characteristics of the system.
• Consider natural frequencies, modes of vibration, and response
amplitudes.
5. Experimental Validation:
• Conduct experiments to validate the calculated or simulated
results.
• Measure vibrations under controlled conditions, varying
lubrication levels, and compare with the theoretical predictions.
6. Monitoring Systems:
• Implement condition monitoring systems that can detect and
quantify vibrations in real-time.
• Use sensors to measure vibrations and analyze the data to
identify trends related to lubrication conditions.
How can energy consumption due to friction be calculated?
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