Polymers are increasingly used engineering applications, from tyres to bearings and bearing housings. In all instances it is important to be able to evaluate the tribology of the moving surfaces in service. This gives insight into how the polymer is working, and allows both the design and the properties of the polymer to be optimised.
Ultrasound probe for tribology
This technique has been adapted to allow measurement of the thickness of lubricating oil films between machine parts. As the film of lubricant gets thinner, more ultrasound energy is transmitted across the interface between the parts, resulting in attenuation of the returned signal.
The technique is now available commercially through the University spin-out company 'Tribosonics'
References
B. W. Drinkwater, R. S. Dwyer-Joyce and P. Cawley, A Study of the Interaction between Ultrasound and a Partially Contacting Solid-Solid Interface Proceedings of the Royal Society Series A, 452 No. 1955 (1996) 2613.
Tribosonics website is at:
This feature is based on work carried out by Prof Rob Dwyer-Joyce:
© The University of Sheffield Polymer Centre, 2008.
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