University of Akron, Ohio, Center for Surface Engineering, Tribology, and Lubrication (CSETL)
Center for Surface Engineering, Tribology, and Lubrication (CSETL)
Center Mission and Rationale: Most mechanical system components fail to attain the lifetimes for which they were designed due to life-limiting wear. Wear resulting from the contact of solid surfaces is a critical problem that inhibits the performance of key components in almost all mechanical systems, including automotive engines, gas turbine engines, gearboxes, hydrostatic motors, and wind turbine generators. In order to develop advanced components for these applications, it is necessary to understand and control basic friction, wear, and lubrication of the functional surfaces. Tribology explores the phenomena of contacting surfaces in relative motion. Surface Engineering describes technologies that alter the composition, microstructure, and/or topography of contacting surfaces for the purposes of controlling friction, wear, and corrosion. The broad mission of the Center for Surface Engineering, Tribology, and Lubrication (CSETL) is to marshal the resources and expertise of the university to advance new understanding and methods that will provide new tools for developing superior products in numerous industries.
Research Program
CSETL will conduct fundamental and applied investigations into the root causes of life-limiting wear of components in mechanical systems, and will develop methodologies to mitigate or eliminate wear through surface engineering and/or lubrication. Research projects aimed at solving specific or generic life-limiting tribological problems facing mechanical components will be jointly developed by the CSETL faculty and the Industrial partners. The core facilities comprising the Center will be the Timken Surface Engineering and Lubrication Laboratories and other laboratories within the Wolf Ledges Engineering Building and the University of Akron. Examples of potential research projects include:
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The creation of surface treatments for oil & gas well steel tubing to resist corrosion from hydrogen sulfide;
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An investigation of the compatibility of lubricant additives with tribological coatings;
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The development of a durable, hydrophobic surface for aircraft deicing applications; and
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The construction of an application specific, life-limiting wear model for rolling element bearings.
Source https://www.uakron.edu/engineering/research/csetl.dot