Sliding bearings lubricated with a magnetorheological fluid. An innovative project of scientists | Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology at the Gdańsk University of Technology

Research in TU Delft was conducted with the participation of GUT professors – Wojciech Litwin representing the Institute of Ocean Technology and Ship Technology and Michał Wodtke representing the Institute of Mechanics and Machine Construction.

During a few weeks’ long stay in the Netherlands, the research station was dismantled and reassembled several times. Introduction of construction modifications, production and assembly of a new shaft resulted in solving the observed problems with operation and achieve satisfactory operational parameters of the bearing in the model working conditions. In the last week, after implementing a series of modifications and upgrades, the scientists successfully conducted first experimental measurements.

– We have reached the stage where the experimental station worked properly. We are now dealing with the key moments in the task. We will compare the results of theoretical and practical research and we will see to what extent calculating possibilities reflect reality – said professor Wodtke.  

Further actions

Within the further actions, the scientists are planning to develop such a magnetorheological fluid that will be able to withstand other conditions of the bearing operation. – Oil lubricated bearings work well at high speed, problems occur with low speed, since the effect of transferring the load is being reduced – says professor Wodtke. Replacing oil with the magnetorheological fluid potentially allows increasing the application range of hydrodynamic bearings, including the ones for low-rpm machines.

Another project objective consists in comparing the results of theoretical and experimental research. – On the one hand we encounter practical problems, such as wear or inappropriate fluid. On the other hand there is a theory which yields idealized results. An ideal solution would be joining these two domains. – says professor Wodtke.

The research started in July 2022 and will be concluded by 2025. The work was commissioned by a Dutch company Aegir Marine, specializing in the production of bearings and sealings for the ship building industry. The company funds the project as a whole.