GEORGE AYOMIDE JOSEPH

18/30GD108

MECHENICAL ENGINEERING

MEE 344

QUESTION:

Write a short essay that is at least 500 words and not more than 1500 words on the topic
entitled “Highlight the three predominant objectives of lubrication and the significant
functions of lubricating bearing, gear or machine elements”.

ANSWER

Lubrication is the process which aims at reducing friction between two moving pieces. When
two pieces come in contact with one another, a fluid must be injected to separate them.
The word greasing applies when grease is used to lubricate.

Lubrication has many objectives but the three predominant objectives of lubrication are:

1. Lubrication minimizes friction and wear in application where there is no thin film
lubrication.
2. Lubrication forms thin films between bounding surfaces
3. Lubrication cools bearing, gear, machine elements, and reduces the maximum
temperature at the contact of bounding surfaces. (Wikipedia)

1) Lubrication minimizes friction and wear in application where there is no thin film
lubrication.
In the absence of thin film lubrication, lubrication reduces the heat generated when
two surfaces are in motion. It smoothens the process of the surfaces in contact,
reducing friction and thus, improving performance and efficiency. The use of
lubricants decreases the overall framework friction. Decreasing friction has the
benefits of reducing heat production and decreases the development or formation
of bad particles, additionally improving proficiency. The use of the lubricant spreads
between the two surfaces scouring with each other and removes the irregularities
 present on the surface. As a result of this, the contact between the two hard
surfaces is replaced by the lubricant layer due to it and hence, the force of friction is
reduced considerably. In essence, lubrication reduces friction and wear between
surfaces in mutual contact by reducing the heat generated when the surfaces are in
motion.

2) Lubrication forms thin films between bounding surfaces

First of all, thin film lubrication is a lubrication regime with a film thickness of a few
nanometers to tens of nanometers. It is the lubrication regime, in which through
viscous forces, the load is fully supported by the lubricant within the space or gap
between the part in motion relative to one another, objects and solid. When the
rubbing surfaces are separated from each other by a very thin film of lubricant, it is
known as boundary lubrication. When the two solid surfaces sliding over each other
are free from contaminating fluid or film, the resistance encountered is called dry
friction. The purpose of the lubricant forming thin films between bounding surfaces
is to be lubricate each part of the bearing and to reduce friction and wear. The
lubricant also carries away heat generated inside bearings due to friction and other
causes. In conclusion, lubrication covers rolling contact surfaces and all surfaces in
contact with each other with the proper oil film in order to prolong bearing fatigue
life.

3) Lubrication cools bearing, gear, machine elements, and reduces the maximum
temperature at the contact of bounding surfaces.
The primary function of a lubricant is to prevent friction by creating a boundary layer
between bearings, gears, and machine elements. It also dissipates heat generated in
bearings, gears, and machine elements. It transports contaminants to filters,
protects the bearing, gears, and machine elements from oxidation and corrosion. By
adding lubrication to bearings, gears, and machine elements, friction is reduced
between the internal sliding surfaces of the parts, and the heat generated between
the bounding surfaces in contact is reduced, hence reducing the heat and the
maximum temperature as the lubrication prevents metal to metal contact.
 FUNCTIONS OF LUBRICATING BEARINGS, GEARS OR MACHINE ELEMENTS

i. It lubricates each part of the bearing and to reduce friction and wear
ii. It carries away heat generated inside bearings due to friction
iii. It covers rolling contact surfaces with the proper oil film in order to prolong
fatigue life
iv. It prevents corrosion and contaminations by dirt
v. It improves power transmission
vi. It protects from oxidation and corrosion of metal surfaces
vii. It transports contaminants to filters
viii. It lubricates each parts of the bearing by creating a boundary layer between
two surfaces to prevent or reduce friction and wear
ix. It keeps moving or sliding surfaces apart so as to reduce friction and
consequent wear and tear of machine material
x. It absorbs shock
xi. It seals and protects components.