In Section of Machine Design and Medical Engineering experimental testing is carried out in a specialized Laboratory of Tribology named after B. Niemkiewicz (its former Head).
PG-2 - TEST RIG FOR JOURNAL BEARINGS
Test rig PG II 1Ł is used for determination of static characteristics of journal sliding bearings. The stand is computer controlled with internal feedback loop for input parameters adjustment and has a computerised data acquisition (high repeatability of test conditions and immunity to interference). Radial force and rotational speed can be changed according to a pre - programmed function. Bearings can be tested with oil or water lubrication (important for ceramic and composite bearings). The stand is equipped with an accurate friction force sensor. The tested bearing is fixed in a rigid housing, which is supported on hydrostatic bearing. Rotational speed is controlled by a vector type frequency inverter, which allows to test fully loaded bearings in start - up and stop conditions.
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Examples of the ceramic bearings tested in PG-2 test rig. |
Specifications:
- Radial load: up to 25 kN
- Tilting torque: 0 - 5000 Nm
- Rotational speed: 30 - 4000 obr/min
- Journal diameter of tested bearings: ø30 - 110 mm
Measured or calculated quantities:
- friction force
- radial force
- temperature of sliding elements
- rotational speed
- tilting torque
Examples of the research:
- testing of novel design ceramic bearings (A. Olszewski PhD)
- testing of journal bearings lubricated with water (A. Olszewski habilitation research)
- testing of journal bearings with spiral lubricating grooves – for Rzeszów UT (L. Gałda, J. Sęp)
- testing of special ecological lubricants in a polymer bearing and water lubrication of the same bearings for GE Renewable Switzerland and Klueber Lubrication – 2018-202)
- PhD and NCN project of Tomasz Żochowski
WHERE: Laboratory of Tribology named after B. Niemkiewicz
MAIN SUPERVISOR: Artur Olszewski, Ph.D., Mech.Eng.
SON - TEST RIG FOR TESTING OF STATIC CHARACTERISTICS OF HYDRODYNAMIC THRUST BEARINGS
Test rig SON can be used for testing of static characteristics of hydrodynamic thrust bearings of various types. Tests can be aimed at development of new bearing concepts, testing prototypes, bearings with different material selection and for more fundamental research in properties of the fluid film in the thrust bearing. It offers possibilities of evaluating deformations of bearing elements, measuring friction torque in the bearing and evaluating minimum film thickness in the bearing. It is possible to keep very low rotational speed of the shaft to test mixed friction phenomena.
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Examples of the bearings tested in SON test rig. |
Specifications:
- axial force up to 90 kN
- rotational speed 20 - 4500 rpm
- motor power: 36 kW
- external diameter of the tested bearings up to ø200 mm
Examples of research:
- tests of bearings with different supply of the lubricating oil (G. Rotta doctorate)
- tests of bearings with DLC-steel and bronze-steel interface for Schaeffler Technologies
- tests of bearings with different number of pads for ALSTOM Hydro (Switzerland)
- tests of bearings with polymer lining of pads for Waukesha Bearings (M. Wodtke habilitation research)
WHERE: Laboratory of Tribology named after B. Niemkiewicz
MAIN SUPERVISOR: Michał Wodtke, Ph.D, Mech.Eng.
PT-1, PT-2, PT-3 - VERTICAL SPINDLE ROTATIONAL MOTION TRIBOMETERS
The PT series test rigs PT-1, PT-2 and PT-3 were designed with the predestination for the determination of fundamental friction - wear characteristics of various bearing materials for both, sliding and rolling applications. Tested specimens support and loading systems are hydrostatic. Testing of lubricants is possible at special (low or high) temperatures.
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Specifications:
- maximum load: up to 10 kN (specific loads up to 100 MPa are possible)
- maximum spindle speed: 0 - 6000 rpm
- various specimen arrangements e.g.: four-ball, ring on flat, cone on 3-balls
- controlled temperature of the test lubricant
Measured or calculated quantities:
- friction force
- temperature of specimens and/or lubricant
- acceleration in friction induced vibratory motion (normal and tangential)
- displacements of lower specimen (normal and tangential)
Examples of the research:
- comparative research of materials and sliding layers – polymer, ceramic, etc.
- friction induced vibration (J. Łubiński habilitation)
- cycle of extensive testing of DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) sliding layers – for Scheaffler Technologies 2015-2019
- tribological testing of materials after ion deposition (K. Zasińska PhD)
- tribological testing of specimen manufactured with the use of 3D printing (K. Suwińska PhD)
WHERE: Laboratory of Tribology named after B. Niemkiewicz
SUPERVISOR: Jacek Łubiński, Ph.D, Mech.Eng.
ZAN - TEST RIG FOR TESTING JOURNAL BEARINGS WITH CONTAMINATED LUBRICANTS AND WATER
Rig ZAN is used for investigation of statically loaded journal-sliding bearing. The stand is especially suitable for testing bearings that are lubricated with contaminated lubricants. Rotational speed and loading are programmable within the wide range. Recently equipped with a head for testing bearings lubricated with contaminated water. Use of exchangeable sleeves facilitates the tests.
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Specifications:
- maximum bearing load: 120 kN
- shaft rotational speed: 100 - 3000 rpm
- diameter of test bearings: 40-70 mm
Examples of the research:
- starved lubrication of journal bearings
- testing of journal bearings with spiral lubricating grooves – for Rzeszów UT (J. Sęp)
- testing of polymer bearings lubricated with contaminated water – NSC in collaboration with the Faculty of Ocean Engineering (for W. Litwin)
WHERE: Laboratory of Tribology named after B. Niemkiewicz
MAIN SUPERVISOR: Artur Olszewski, Ph.D., Mech.Eng.
Employess of the former Section of Hydraulics and Pneumatics carry out work on research and development in the field of positive displacement pumps, hydraulic motors and valves with the use of mineral oil and water as working liquids. More information...