Project

Scientific Objectives

Multi-scale Modelling

1/ Development of a 3D CFD-FSI model for HPC simulation of rough TEHL contacts under dynamic operating conditions (variable load, oscillating motion,..).

2/ Parametric analysis and meta-modelling of TEHL contact dynamics, by parametrizing and mapping the dynamic response (e.g. stiffness and damping) of TEHL contacts subject to variable loads and accelerating/decelerating conditions (e.g. oscillatory motions).

3/ Model-Order Reduction for thermo-elastic Multi-body simulations of gears and bearings on a system level.

4/ Sensitivity assessment of lubricant properties and gear/bearing design on NVH behaviour via dynamic system-level lubricated contact analyses.

Experimental Measurements

5/ Design, development of an innovative and disruptive test-setup for quantifying TEHL conditions in large-scale bearings.

6/ Instrumentation of bearing test-setup with step-index and micro-structured optical fibre sensor probes in a minimally invasive manner, to quantify the lubricant film thickness, pressure and temperature distributions during its operation.

Valorisation objectives

1/  Use the models and tools, as well as computational and experimental results to gain a profound and detailed insight into lubricated components and subsystems, and apply this acquired knowledge and tools to improve the design of their systems (geometry of components/systems, lubrication amount,…).

2/ Design systems with improved NVH performance and less installation NVH pollution.

3/ Increase component and system robustness and reduce damage and wear in all industrially relevant environments by using the results concerning the criticality of the lubricant film under different dynamic operating conditions.

4/ Implement on-line fibre-optics based monitoring techniques to measure the condition of the lubrication in the contact zone.