EXPERIMENT NO – 5

AIM: To study various types of lubricating systems.

THEORY:
Lubrication - Lubrication is the process or technique of using a lubricant to
reduce friction and wear in a contact between two surfaces. Lubricants can
be solids (such as Molybdenum disulphide MoS2), solid/liquid dispersions (such
as grease), liquids (such as oil or water, liquid-liquid dispersions or gases.
Fluid-lubricated systems are designed so that the applied load is partially or completely
carried by hydrodynamic or hydrostatic pressure, which reduces solid body interactions
(and consequently friction and wear). Depending on the degree of surface separation,
different lubrication regimes can be distinguished. Adequate lubrication allows smooth,
continuous operation of machine elements, reduces the rate of wear, and prevents
excessive stresses or seizures at bearings. When lubrication breaks down, components
can rub destructively against each other, causing heat, local welding, destructive
damage and failure.
Besides supporting the load the lubricant may have to perform other functions as
well, for instance it may cool the contact areas and remove wear products. While
carrying out these functions the lubricant is constantly replaced from the contact areas
either by the relative movement (hydrodynamics) or by externally induced forces.
Lubrication is required for correct operation of mechanical systems such
as pistons, pumps, cams, bearings, turbines, cutting tools etc. where without
lubrication the pressure between the surfaces in close proximity would generate enough
heat for rapid surface damage which in a coarsened condition may literally weld the
surfaces together, causing seizure.
TYPES OF LUBRICATING SYSTEMS –
1) Fluid Film Lubrication –
Fluid film lubrication is the lubrication regime in which, through viscous
forces, the load is fully supported by the lubricant within the space or gap
between the parts in motion relative to one another object (the lubricated
conjunction) and solid–solid contact is avoided.
 In hydrostatic lubrication, external pressure is applied to the lubricant in
the bearing to maintain the fluid lubricant film where it would otherwise
be squeezed out.
 In hydrodynamic lubrication the motion of the contacting surfaces as well
as the design of the bearing pump lubricant around the bearing to maintain
the lubricating film. This design of bearing may wear when started,
stopped or reversed, as the lubricant film breaks down. The basis of the
hydrodynamic theory of lubrication is the Reynolds equation. The
governing equations of the hydrodynamic theory of lubrication and some
analytical solutions can be found in the reference.
2) Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication –
Mostly for nonconforming surfaces or higher load conditions, the bodies suffer
elastic strains at the contact. Such strain creates a load-bearing area, which
provides an almost parallel gap for the fluid to flow through. Much as in
hydrodynamic lubrication, the motion of the contacting bodies generates a flow
induced pressure, which acts as the bearing force over the contact area. In such
high pressure regimes, the viscosity of the fluid may rise considerably. At full
film elastohydrodynamic lubrication the generated lubricant film completely
separates the surfaces. Contact between raised solid features, or asperities, can
occur, leading to a mixed-lubrication or boundary lubrication regime. In addition
to Reynolds equation, elastohydrodynamic theory considers the elastic
deflection equation, since in this regime elastic deformation of the surfaces
contributes significantly to the lubricant film thickness.
3) Boundary Lubrication –
The hydrodynamic effects are negligible. The bodies come into closer contact at
their asperities; the heat developed by the local pressures causes a condition
which is called stick-slip, and some asperities break off. At the elevated
temperature and pressure conditions, chemically reactive constituents of the
lubricant react with the contact surface, forming a highly resistant tenacious layer
or film on the moving solid surfaces (boundary film) which is capable of
supporting the load and major wear or breakdown is avoided. Boundary
lubrication is also defined as that regime in which the load is carried by the
surface asperities rather than by the lubricant.
4) Mixed Lubrication –
This regime is in between the full film elastohydrodynamic and boundary
lubrication regimes. The generated lubricant film is not enough to separate the
bodies completely, but hydrodynamic effects are considerable. Mixed
lubrication is a cross between boundary and hydrodynamic lubrication. While
the bulk of the surfaces are separated by a lubricating layer, the asperities still
make contact with each other. This is where the additives again come into play.

With a better understanding of this process, it should be easier to define

what lubrication actually is. It is a process of either separating surfaces or
protecting them in a manner to reduce friction, heat, wear and energy
consumption. This can be accomplished by using oils, greases, gases or other
fluids. So the next time you change the oil in your car or grease a bearing, realize
there is more going on than meets the eye.

Conclusion –
We have studied various types of lubricating systems.