Tribology deals with the scientific study of interacting surfaces in relative motion. It includes interactions between solids as well as between solids and fluids. Therefore Tribology encompasses the entire field of friction, wear and lubrication. The development objective of tribology is the optimization of friction and wear for the respective application in order to increase the functionality, efficiency or reliability of the technical system under consideration. The IDS has a large number of application-specific test rigs to determine friction and wear under real operating conditions.
In addition to the measurement technology, in the field of tribology the IDS offers supportive or independent simulations, which are carried out using common simulation software such as ABAQUS, ANSYS or MATLAB.
High Speed Linear Friction Tester (HiLeTe)
The Highspeed Linear Friction Tester (HiLiTe) is a test rig developed by IDS that is used to determine the friction properties of test specimens on different surfaces.
High-Load-High-Speed Tribometer
The high-load-high-speed tribometer developed by IDS is used to investigate the friction and wear behaviour of different material pairings. A test specimen of any geometry is brought into contact with a rotating disc. The geometry of the test specimen can be selected so that we can analyze the friction of either a point, line or surface contact. In addition to a free choice of material for the test specimen, the surface of the rotating disc can be adjusted as required.
The normal force and the relative speed between the test specimen and the rotating counter surface can be specified using the MICROLABBOX from the manufacturer DSPACE. The normal force between 0 and 6 kN and the relative speed between 0 and 2 m/s are infinitely adjustable. To measure both normal force and frictional force we use piezoelectric force sensors, depending on the application, either continuously or at variable intervals over the entire duration of the test. The friction coefficient relevant to the friction characteristics is determined in real time from the measured values. In a subsequent step, it is possible to determine the wear of the test specimen and the counter surface both gravimetrically using a precision balance and volumetrically using an optical 3D microscope.
Realistic Pattern Mechanics in Lab "RepTiL"
The RepTiL (Realistic Pattern Mechanics in Lab) is a hybrid test rig that enables friction coefficient tests to be carried out on tire tread blocks on different road surfaces and under various climatic conditions.
Rheometer
The MCR 302e rheometer from ANTON PAAR is suitable for a wide range of rheological tests. Various polymers and oils are characterized with the rheometer at IDS. The rheometer has a torque range of 0.5 nNm to 230 mNm and a normal force range of up to 50 N. Due to an integrated cooling function, measurements can be carried out in a temperature range from -30° C to 100° C.
Universal Linear Test Bench
The universal linear test bench designed at IDS enables the friction force in contact to linearly moving components to be recorded. The main applications include pneumatic and hydraulic seals as well as special applications such as the guide components of automotive discs.
During the test, the specific component to be analyzed is coupled to the carriage of the test stand's linear guide via a force sensor. The corresponding friction partner is fixed on a grooved table, as shown in the illustration using pneumatic cylinders as an example.
The relative speed, which can be varied between 0 and 1 m/s, is specified and the friction force signal is recorded using a DSPACE MICROLABBOX. In addition, we have components such as an electropneumatic pressure regulator with a maximum operating pressure of 10 bar or a hydraulic pump with a maximum operating pressure of 400 bar, which enable the components to be measured under real operating conditions.
Equipment for Tribological Studies
- High Speed Linear Friction Tester (HiLiTe)
- High-load-high-speed tribometer
- Universal linear test bench
- Rheometer
- Accessories: DSPACE MICROLABBOX, elektro-pneumatic pressure regulator, hydraulic pump, precision balance, etc.
- Simulation software: ABAQUS, ANSYS, MATLAB
