Universidad Tegnológica de Durango

Sistemas Mecanicos III

Lubrication Research

Teacher:

García Godina Luis Fernando

Student:

Padilla Vargas Leonel Sebastian

Group: 9

Grade: B
 What is it?
Lubrication is the control of friction and wear by the introduction of a friction-
reducing film between moving surfaces in contact. The lubricant used can be a
fluid, solid, or plastic substance.

Although this is a valid definition, it fails to realize all that lubrication actually
achieves.

Many different substances can be used to lubricate a surface. Oil and grease are
the most common. Grease is composed of oil and a thickening agent to obtain its
consistency, while the oil is what actually lubricates. Oils can be synthetic,
vegetable or mineral-based as well as a combination of these.

The application determines which oil, commonly referred to as the base oil, should
be used. In extreme conditions, synthetic oils can be beneficial. Where the
environment is of concern, vegetable base oils may be utilized.

Uses
The primary functions of a lubricant are to:

 Reduce friction
 Prevent wear
 Protect the equipment from corrosion
 Control temperature (dissipate heat)
 Control contamination (carry contaminants to a filter or sump)
 Transmit power (hydraulics)
 Provide a fluid seal

Sometimes the functions of reducing friction and preventing wear are used
interchangeably. However, friction is the resistance to motion, and wear is the loss
of material as a result of friction, contact fatigue and corrosion. There is a
significant difference. In fact, not all that causes friction (e.g., fluid friction) causes
wear, and not all that causes wear (e.g., cavitational erosion) causes friction.

Types of lubrication
There are three different types of lubrication: boundary, mixed and full film. Each
type is different, but they all rely on a lubricant and the additives within the oils to
protect against wear.

Full-film lubrication can be broken down into two forms: hydrodynamic and
elastohydrodynamic. Hydrodynamic lubrication occurs when two surfaces in sliding
motion (relative to each other) are fully separated by a film of fluid.

Elastohydrodynamic lubrication is similar but occurs when the surfaces are in a

rolling motion (relative to each other). The film layer in elastohydrodynamic
conditions is much thinner than that of hydrodynamic lubrication, and the pressure
on the film is greater. It is called elastohydrodynamic because the film elastically
deforms the rolling surface to lubricate it.

Even on the most polished and smooth surfaces, irregularities are present. They
stick out of the surface forming peaks and valleys at a microscopic level. These
peaks are called asperities. In order for full-film conditions to be met, the lubricating
film must be thicker than the length of the asperities. This type of lubrication
protects surfaces the most effectively and is the most desired.

Boundary lubrication is found where there are frequent starts and stops, and
where shock-loading conditions are present. Some oils have extreme-pressure
(EP) or anti-wear (AW) additives to help protect surfaces in the event that full films
cannot be achieved due to speed, load or other factors.

These additives cling to metal surfaces and form a sacrificial layer that protects the
metal from wear. Boundary lubrication occurs when the two surfaces are
contacting in such a way that only the EP or AW layer is all that is protecting them.
This is not ideal, as it causes high friction, heat and other undesirable effects.

Mixed lubrication is a cross between boundary and hydrodynamic lubrication.

While the bulk of the surfaces are separated by a lubricating layer, the asperities
still make contact with each other. This is where the additives again come into play.

With a better understanding of this process, it should be easier to define what

lubrication actually is. It is a process of either separating surfaces or protecting
them in a manner to reduce friction, heat, wear and energy consumption. This can
be accomplished by using oils, greases, gases or other fluids. So the next time you
change the oil in your car or grease a bearing, realize there is more going on than
meets the eye.

Importance
A vital function of lubrication is seen in many mechanical devices and systems. It is
significant in a number of important ways:

 Friction Reduction: By forming a barrier between moving parts, lubricants

help to reduce friction by minimizing direct contact. By preventing
component wear and tear, this friction reduction helps machinery last longer.
 Heat Reduction: Heat is produced by friction, and too much heat can harm
equipment. By assisting in the dissipation of heat, lubrication helps to
maintain ideal operating temperatures and avoid overheating.
 Corrosion Prevention: Lubricants serve as a shield against impurities and
moisture that can lead to rust and corrosion. This keeps the machine parts'
integrity intact.
 Increasing Efficiency: Lubrication increases the efficiency of machinery by
lowering friction. Energy savings may result from smoother moving parts
that need less energy to run.
  Noise Reduction: A more comfortable and quiet working environment is
produced when moving parts produce as little noise as possible due to
proper lubrication.
 Maintenance and Cost Savings: By averting premature wear and
breakdowns in machinery, regular lubrication can drastically reduce the
need for maintenance and repair expenses.
 Improving Performance: Machines that are properly lubricated typically
operate more accurately and dependably, producing the intended results
more frequently.

Properties of lubricants
Viscosity: Indicates how resistant a lubricant is to flow. Low viscosity lubricants
flow more readily, whereas high viscosity lubricants are thicker and offer superior
film strength. The working environment and the equipment being used determine
the proper viscosity.

The viscosity index shows how much the viscosity varies with temperature. When
a lubricant has a high viscosity index, its viscosity varies little with temperature,
allowing for steady performance across a broad temperature range.

Film Strength: In order to lessen friction, lubricants form a protective film between
moving parts. In order to minimize wear and tear on components, good film
strength eliminates direct metal-to-metal contact.

Oxidation Stability: When lubricants are exposed to air and high temperatures,
they can oxidize and produce deposits, sludge, and acid by-products as a result. A
lubricant with good oxidation stability will maintain its characteristics throughout
time.
Corrosion Resistance: To maintain the integrity of the machinery, lubricants
should shield metal surfaces from corrosion brought on by moisture or chemical
reactions.

Additive Content: Depending on the requirements of the machinery, many

lubricants have additives to improve particular qualities like anti-wear, severe
pressure protection, detergency, and rust inhibition.

Compatibility: To prevent harm or unfavorable interactions with seals, gaskets, or

other components, lubricants must be compatible with the materials used in the
machinery.

Environmental Impact: In the event of a leak or spill, certain lubricants are made
to be less damaging to ecosystems, biodegradable, and ecologically friendly.

Signs of lack of lubrication

Undoubtedly, a number of indicators point to inadequate lubrication in mechanical
systems or machinery:

 Increased Heat and Friction: When parts are not lubricated, there is more
friction between the moving parts. The increased friction produces more
heat than usual, which might lead to the machinery overheating.
 Unusual Noises: When parts rub against one another without the
lubricant's protecting layer, they may squeak, grind, or make other strange
noises.
 Visible Wear and Tear: Component wear is exacerbated by inadequate
lubrication. Visible wear indicators, such pitting, scoring, or galling, may be
apparent on surfaces that should ideally stay smooth.
 Increased Energy Consumption: When machinery isn't properly
lubricated, it tends to run less smoothly and needs more energy to do the
same duties.
  Elevated Vibration: Inadequate lubrication leads to heightened friction,
which might cause the machinery to vibrate more than usual while it's
operating normally.
 Fast Component Failure: Inadequate lubrication causes machinery parts
to wear out more quickly. Elevated friction and heat can lead to the
premature breakdown of bearings, gears, or other moving elements.
 Rust or Corrosion: When metal surfaces aren't properly lubricated, they
become more vulnerable to moisture and other impurities, which can cause
rust or corrosion on exposed parts.
 Leaking Seals: Insufficiently lubricated seals may dry up, fracture, or break,
causing leaks in the equipment.
 Increased Maintenance Needs: Because lubrication accelerates
component wear and tear, it may be necessary to perform more regular
maintenance than usual.
 Reduced Overall Performance: When machinery is not properly
lubricated, it may not operate as correctly or effectively as it should, which
can affect output quality and productivity.

What is Stribeck Curve?

Stribeck curve is a fundamental and one of the most widely known concepts in
tribology and lubrication fields. The concept represents the friction behavior in
lubricated contacts as a function of viscosity of the lubricant, entrainment speed
and roughness (sometimes, just roughness). Richard Stribeck along with Mayo
Hersey are accredited as the pioneer researchers of the 20th century, who
introduced Stribeck curve by extending their work on the topic of friction within the
railway industry; however, the results of the research were in coherence with the
previous researches.
Can vibrations induced by lack of lubrication
be calculated? How is it calculated?
It is possible to calculate vibrations caused by a lack of lubrication using a variety
of technical techniques and instruments. An outline of the general methodology for
this computation is provided below:

Vibration Analysis: One popular technique for estimating the impact of lubricant
deficiency on machinery is vibration analysis. It entails examining how the system
behaves dynamically when it is not properly lubricated.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a potent technique that may be used to

compute and model how a lack of lubrication affects how mechanical components
vibrate. In order to examine how a lack of lubrication affects each component, the
system must be disassembled into its component parts.

Mathematical Modeling: It is possible to create mathematical models that

replicate how a machine might operate in various lubrication scenarios. These
models may compute the impacts of inadequate lubrication by accounting for
variables including vibration, wear, and friction.

Experimental Testing: To quantify the vibrations brought on by a lack of

lubrication, experimental testing may occasionally be carried out. This may entail
operating the equipment under carefully monitored circumstances in order to track
and quantify the vibrations that arise.
How can energy consumption due to friction
be calculated?
Energy lost due to friction refers to the energy dissipated or converted into other
forms, primarily heat, as a result of frictional forces acting on an object. This
dissipation occurs when mechanical energy, typically in the form of kinetic energy,
is transformed into non-mechanical forms.

Calculating energy loss due to friction involves understanding the relevant formulas
and following a step-by-step approach. The following formula can be used:

1. Determine the force of friction acting on the object. This force depends on
the coefficient of friction \(\mu) and the normal force (FN) between the
surfaces in contact.
2. Measure the distance over which the object experiences the frictional force.
3. Multiply the force of friction by the distance to calculate the energy loss due
to friction.

Worked-out Example of Energy Loss

Calculation
Suppose a block with a mass of 5 kg is pushed across a rough surface with a
coefficient of friction of 0.4. The block moves a distance of 10 meters. We can
calculate the energy loss due to friction using the formula mentioned earlier.

First, we need to determine the force of friction. The force of friction is given by:

where FN is the normal force.

Assuming the block is on a horizontal surface, the normal force is equal to the
weight of the block, which can be calculated as:

Next, we can calculate the force of friction:

References

Lambda Geeks. (s.f.). Lambda Geeks. Obtenido de https://lambdageeks.com/how-

to-find-energy-lost-due-to-friction/

Trib Net. (6 de Junio de 2021). Obtenido de https://www.tribonet.org/wiki/stribeck-

curve/#Calculating_Stribeck_Curve

Wes Cash, N. C. (s.f.). Machinery Lubrication. Obtenido de

https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/28766/what-is-lubrication