Bachelor / Master Thesis: Influence of Slide-to-Roll Ratio on Tribofilm Formation in Rolling Contacts

The Institute of Machine Elements and System Development researches the fundamental structural and tribological behaviour of machine elements and depicts this in experimentally validated model descriptions. These model descriptions are used to analyse and design the functional, loss and noise behaviour of entire technical systems with a focus on drive technology. The models developed are also used to research and develop methods of model-based systems engineering as a central element of future, inductive product development processes.

The Tribology department at MSE researches the tribological behaviour of machine elements. The focus of research is on application-orientated basic research. Key topics include the interactions between the lubricant and the surfaces of the lubricated components, the wear behaviour of machine elements and the changes in lubricants caused by use. Other key topics include condition monitoring and service life prediction of machine elements.

Background:

Tribological reaction layers generated by lubricant additives play an important role in reducing wear and improving the durability of machine elements. However, the influence of sliding conditions and shear stress on tribofilm growth is still not fully understood.

Within this theiss, the influence of slide-to-roll ratio (SRR) on tribofilm formation in rolling contacts will be investigated using modern tribological testing methods.

Tasks:

• Literature Review: Tribofilm formation
• Experimental Setup and tribological testing
• Data Collection and Analysis, Microscopic examination
• Results Interpretation and Reporting

Requirements:

• Independence and reliability
• Interest in Tribology
• Hands-on mentality
• Good knowledge of English

What we offer:

• Intensive support & mentoring
• Flexible work focus
• Co-authorship in research publication

We look forward to your application by email:

Yelvin Ragimov, M. Sc.
Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering

Schinkelstraße 10, 52062 Aachen
yelvin.ragimov@imse.rwth-aachen.de