Date added: 2024-07-03
More than 700,000 in funding for scientist of our Faculty
Project "Investigation of Phenomena Associated with Friction in Sliding Pairs Lubricated with Water Containing Mineral Particles"
The project is led by Professor Wojciech Litwin and has received funding amounting to PLN 702,400.
Scientific Objectives: The primary goal of this research project is to investigate and understand the wear process of a sliding pair consisting of metal and an elastic polymer, lubricated with water containing mineral particles. The research will utilize a newly designed and constructed test stand for water-lubricated sliding bearings, which allows for the examination of the wear process of sliding pairs while precisely recording frictional resistance and temperature. The project has both scientific and practical significance, aiming to acquire new knowledge on friction and wear processes. Practical insights into the selection of sliding pairs, shaping their geometry, and using the latest CFD and FEM software to create friction node models will enhance ecological safety through "green" bearings suitable for water pumps, hydroelectric power, and the shipbuilding industry. Key development areas include "green tribology," focusing on the friction and wear of sliding bearings that exclude environmentally harmful substances, especially mineral oils.
Interview with Professor Wojciech Litwin
What inspired you to research the wear process of water-lubricated sliding pairs?
Water lubrication of bearings has been an idea applied for at least 150 years in shipbuilding, hydroelectric power, pumps, etc. In recent decades, there has been a search for cost-effective, uncomplicated solutions that are also environmentally friendly, leading to the growing popularity of water-lubricated bearings. Systems lubricated with surrounding water (e.g., seawater for ships, river water for hydroelectric power) are particularly popular. It turns out that mineral-origin contaminants carried by water, which get between sliding elements, can exacerbate the wear process. Therefore, we have long studied wear problems related to lubrication with contaminated lubricants. We have already completed one NCN-funded project related to these issues. As expected, further questions have arisen.
What specific scientific and technological problems does this project aim to solve? What are the most important expected outcomes?
We hope to determine the impact of contaminant size on the wear process and to investigate how much the phenomenon can be scaled.
How can the project results contribute to the development of "green tribology" and enhance ecological safety?
Improving solutions and gaining new knowledge about water-lubricated bearings contribute to the development of green tribology. Unfortunately, this solution is only applied to about 10% of the world’s fleet, which is around 12,000 ships - a significant yet limited number. We hope that new research will help popularize this technology.
How do you see the development of "green tribology" in the coming years and its impact on the industry? How can the project results affect society and ecological awareness?
The industrial situation is unique, as there is a constant search for cost savings while under the pressure of increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Developing a simple, effective solution aligns with this trend. However, the NCN project focuses on basic research – studying phenomena, building, and validating a theoretical model of contaminated water lubrication.
More information on the funding received by other Gdansk Tech researchers.
