Master Thesis: CFD-Simulation of Rolling-Contacts with Limited Volume of Oil

The Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering researches the fundamental structural and tribological behavior of machine elements and represents this in experimentally validated model descriptions. These model descriptions are used to analyze and design the functional, loss, and noise behavior of entire technical systems with a focus on drive technology.

The lubrication of rolling bearings has a major impact on the safe and energy-efficient operation of drive systems. The lubricant should separate the surfaces at the rolling contacts. That is, the lubricating film thickness must be greater than the roughness asperities. When there is enough oil, the lubricating film can be calculated using the Reynolds equation; however, this is no longer the case when the oil volume is too low.

In this thesis, a CFD-model of an EHL-contact with limited amount of oil is developed for prediction of the lubricating film height.

In fully lubricated conditions, the lubricating film in a rolling contact is independent of the oil volume. When the oil volume is low, there is a relationship between the lubricating film thickness and the oil volume that makes calculation using simple equations impossible. This master’s thesis enables the simulation-based calculation of the lubricating film thickness with limited oil volume.

Tasks:

• Development of an EHL simulation model for prediction of the oil film height in rolling contacts with limited oil volume
• Surrogate model for efficient calculation

Qualification:

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of OpenFoam is beneficial, but not required
• Interest in scientific questions in the field of tribology and fluid mechanics
• A motivated, organized, and independent work style, as well as strong communication and teamwork skills

Our offer:

• Work on a current research topic of high scientific relevance
• Immediate start possible
• Opportunity to publish relevant findings

We look forward to your application by email:

Nico Gregarek, M.Sc.
Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering

Schinkelstraße 10, 52062 Aachen
nico.gregarek@imse.rwth-aachen.de