Title: Analysis of a grease-lubricated contact from an energy point of view

Authors: E. Kuhn

Addresses: Faculty of Technology and Computer Science, Department of Mech. Eng. and Prod., University of Applied Sciences Hamburg, Germany

Abstract: A number of grease lubricated contacts are working under mixed friction conditions. In this paper, we try to model the grease-lubricated contact considering the density distribution within the grease film. A proposal is presented to quantify the friction energy for the fluid friction part by using experimental work. The friction leads to a process of structural degradation (rheological wear) of the lubricating grease. This process is analysed and some new parameters are defined. A proposal for quantifying the irreversible change of the grease properties is made. All this work is done from an energetical point of view and is supported by experimental work.

Keywords: lubricating grease; energy density; rheology; rheological wear; lubricated contacts; mixed friction; grease film; friction energy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2010.031891

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2010 Vol.38 No.1, pp.5 - 15

Published online: 01 Mar 2010 *

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