The power of manufacturing to raise efficiency of fluid systems

In order to characterise, evaluate and improve the performance of fluid systems by adapted manufacturing systems, Aachen's production technology institutes are performing extensive research works. In this paper the tribological characteristics of a fluid system are focused. The experimental investigations contained investigations on the physical and the tribochemical interactions within the tribological system. For analysing the physical phenomena, which are basically characterised by intermolecular forces, a drop shape analysis system was utilised in order to determine the surface energy of lubricants and the interface energy at the lubricant-solid body contact respectively. Two theoretical models were evolved based on the analysed binding mechanisms. These models predict the behaviour of additives based on their molecular structure. Results of the experimental investigations were used to examine the validity of the models. Manufacturing technology offers various options of improving the tribological performance of fluid systems. Two different manufacturing processes have been presented, which offer the opportunity to supply surfaces for tribological demands. In the case of hard turning of shafts for radial seal shafts a process has been developed which is capable of substituting a common finishing process and reducing the production costs at the same time. Laser surface structuring is still analysed concerning the potential of improving friction. The experimental investigations contained investigations on the physical and the tribochemical interactions within the tribological system. For analysing the physical phenomena, which are basically characterised by intermolecular forces, a drop shape analysis system was utilised in order to determine the surface energy of lubricants and the interface energy at the lubricant-solid body contact respectively. First results already showed a lowering and thus the process looks promising. The development of models describing the influence of lubricant additives on the tribological processes under high stresses offers the possibility of composing lubricants on demand