Researchers to get their bearings and rub out friction with new centre

Imperial and SKF establish new University Technology Centre for Tribology at the College <em>- News</em>

Thursday 2 December 2010
by Colin Smith

A new research centre focused on improving the performance of mechanical systems such as cars, aeroplanes and industrial equipment by reducing the friction between moving parts in their machinery officially opened today at Imperial College London.

The College and SKF, which makes high performance bearings, seals and lubrication systems for industrial machinery,officially opened the SKF University Technology Centre in Advanced Modelling and Measurements in tribology, which is the science of how surfaces interact with one another in relative motion. By reducing friction between parts, the researchers hope to enable machinery to run more efficiently and reliably, leading to energy savings, lower costs and reduced carbon emissions.

The initial five-year collaboration will see researchers at the College working in close co-operation with the SKF’s Engineering Research Centre in The Netherlands, developing new advanced testing techniques, theoretical studies and computer models in tribology that will help SKF to develop solutions for prolonging the life of bearings, which enable parts in machines to move smoothly.

Work at the Centre could see new bearings for use in gearboxes, creating less friction and increasing vehicle efficiency.

One area that researchers will focus on is analysing a group of lubricants that are used to lubricate the bearings in the gearboxes from a range of machinery - from wind turbines to formula one racing cars. These components are routinely subjected to extremely high pressures and stresses, causing friction, wear and tear and the eventual replacement of parts. The researchers aim to develop new solutions that can reduce friction between parts, extending their lifetime and improving their efficiency.

The scientists will also investigate rolling contact fatigue, which can cause metal to weaken over time when parts are rolling or sliding on one another. An example of rolling contact fatigue is when train wheels move along tracks, causing high cyclical stresses at the point of contact, potentially damaging the metal and leading to the replacement of damaged parts, which costs time and money. The team will develop new methods for reducing the impact of rolling contact fatigue, by studying the surfaces of components on a microscopic scale so that components with optimised surfaces can be created that cause less friction.

As part of the project, SKF will also fund a minimum of five PhD studentships at the College, recruited from around the globe.

Dr Amir Kadiric, SKF Research Centre Manager from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the College, says:

“You’d be surprised to learn just how pervasive tribology is. From improving the way hip joint implants work to reducing friction in mechanical systems so aeroplanes run more efficiently, researchers in the field are working to improve many facets of our day-to-day lives. We hope that establishing the SKF research centre at Imperial will lead to fundamental advancements in the field and the production of new and improved machine parts with a range of applications. For instance, our work could lead to the production of new bearings for use in gearboxes, couplings and clutches in vehicles, which create much less friction, reducing wear and tear on the parts, increasing vehicle efficiency and reducing the need for expensive and costly car part replacements.”

Sir Keith O’Nions, Rector of Imperial College London, adds:

“The development of an ever-growing relationship between SKF and Imperial has spanned decades, with SKF sponsoring PhD students in the College’s Department of Mechanical Engineering since the 1970s. Partnerships like this are invaluable to the College, providing the opportunity to work with a world-leading company to improve our understanding of industrial needs and trends, and to share knowledge and expertise from across both organisations.”

To celebrate the official opening of the SKF University Technology Centre in Advanced Modelling and Measurements in Tribology, a special presentation will be given at the College today covering the research projects that will be carried out at the Centre. Speakers include Sir Keith O’Nions, Rector of Imperial College London, CEO and President of SKF, Mr Tom Johnstone, Dr Alan Begg, SKF SVP Techonology Development and Quality, and Professor Hugh Spikes, a leading tribology expert from the Department of Mechanical Engineering.