Tribology TRIBOLOGY IS EVERYWHERE Chameleon and Tiger and a - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Tribology

Chameleon and Tiger and a strategically important research field at LTU

Roland Larsson Division of Machine Elements, LTU

TRIBOLOGY IS EVERYWHERE

Tribology as a chameleon Tribology as a chameleon

Involves many science fields – multidisciplinary

– Solid and fluid mechanics – Physics – Chemistry – Materials Science – Mathematics – Manufacturing technology – Maintenance technology

Tribology as a chameleon

From fundamental to applied From atoms to cars

Fundamentals Applications Atomic scale Macro scale Components MEMS Hydrodynamic lubrication Ab initio quantum models

Tribology as a chameleon

Trends can be followed

– Energy – Environment – Cost reduction – Reliability – Safety – …

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Tribology as a tiger Tribology as a tiger

Financing from many sources

Fundamentals Applications SSF PFF VR Companies Vinnova (Mål 2) VR: Over 14 MSEK 2006- (incl. Peter Wall’s grant)

Tribology as a tiger

Publications and external financing

External financing Publications

Tribology as a tiger

Good job market for new PhDs!

• Volvo Aero
• Scania
• SKF, 3 st
• SKF ERC, Holland
• Vattenfall
• SSAB Oxelösund
• Hägglunds
• Mid University
• LTU, 2 st
• Getrag-Ford
• United Turbine RC, USA
• Banverket
• Höganäs
• Volvo CE
• Bechem, Tyskland
• GM Powertrain
• Shell (UK) / LTU
• Siemens
• LKAB

Tribology as a tiger

Fundamental knowledge still lacking Many interesting research issues!

– Friction! – Wear!

Tribology as a tiger

Already today one of Europe’s largest research groups The only university in Sweden with tribology as a strategically important area

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Some important questions How to reduce friction and wear?

Save >10%

• Fuel
• Electricity
• Cost
• CO2 emissions

How to optimize the system?

Substrate / bulk material Physical/chemical layers Coating for durability Multi-phase fluid Coating for functionality

Smart? Self-healing? Active? How to model the complex boundary lubricated systems?

A multi-scale approach is required

Can nature inspire us?

Gecko for high friction (grip) Human joints for low friction µ<0.001

Our plans

Establish LTU as an Excellence Centre for tribology research and a national hub for Swedish industry

A unique collaboration between many science fields

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Tribology related research at LTU

Competence:

• 16 Professors
• 26 Senior researchers
• 11 Post-docs
• 74 PhD-students

Facts:

• Turnover: >140 MSEK
• High class laboratories
• More than 1000 journal publications
• >77 graduated PhDs past 5 years
• Strong international collaborations

Tribology

(Division of Machine Elements) Chemical Technology Chemistry Polymer Engineering Material Mechanics Materials Science Solid Mechanics Mathematics Physics Fluid Mechanics Experimental Mechanics Operation & Maintenance

And we become a Tiger Chameleon

Thank you!