Extension Of fanblade lifetimes by a nanostructured dry film lubricant
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: Faculty of Engineering
Abstract
Research questions/objectives:
Understanding why modification of a commercial dry film lubricant significantly extends its lifetime
Understanding the mechanisms of damage and lifetime extension of dry film lubricants in fretting wear
Approach:
Experimental - fretting tests run using different conditions and different coating variants in order to understand mechanism of lifetime extension; metallurgical analysis of fretting samples to support investigation of underlying mechanisms of damage and lifetime extension; industrial input from Rolls-Royce plc throughout project via regular, approx. 2monthly, progress meetings and discussion
Novel engineering and/or physical sciences content:
New understanding of how a novel, modified, dry film lubricant works.
Understanding why modification of a commercial dry film lubricant significantly extends its lifetime
Understanding the mechanisms of damage and lifetime extension of dry film lubricants in fretting wear
Approach:
Experimental - fretting tests run using different conditions and different coating variants in order to understand mechanism of lifetime extension; metallurgical analysis of fretting samples to support investigation of underlying mechanisms of damage and lifetime extension; industrial input from Rolls-Royce plc throughout project via regular, approx. 2monthly, progress meetings and discussion
Novel engineering and/or physical sciences content:
New understanding of how a novel, modified, dry film lubricant works.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Kathleen Voisey (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Emmanuel Laolu-Balogun (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N50970X/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1992738 | Studentship | EP/N50970X/1 | 01/02/2018 | 31/01/2022 | Emmanuel Laolu-Balogun |
| EP/R513283/1 | 01/10/2018 | 30/09/2023 | |||
| 1992738 | Studentship | EP/R513283/1 | 01/02/2018 | 31/01/2022 | Emmanuel Laolu-Balogun |
| Description | Fretting tests replicate the small amplitude oscillatory movements taking place between contacting surfaces. This occurrence is rife within aero-engine fan blades to consequently cause wear and degradation within the system. In this project, fretting tests are run using different conditions and different coating variants in order to understand mechanism of lifetime extensions. Metallurgical analysis of fretting samples are implemented to support further investigation of underlying mechanisms of damage and lifetime extension. So far, two key areas have been identified to which further work is required to fully grasp and develop current understanding of dry film lubricant damaging mechanisms. The first is the effect of initial surface conditions which has been observed to have a profound effect on the fretting lifetimes and the coating performance. The second key area is the influence of physical fretting parameters on dry film lubricated fretting system which has uncovered certain correlations between the three main mechanical parameters; normal load, displacement and frequency present in a fretting system. |
| Exploitation Route | Findings have so far been used in understanding the mechanism of fretting damage occurring in aero-engine fan blades with the potential to effectively extend their lifetimes, which, in turn can contribute to solving the growing problem of rapid material degradation currently occurring in industry. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine |
| Description | Industrial Case award |
| Organisation | Rolls Royce Group Plc |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Conducting fretting wear test and data acquisition as well as employing various experimental methods and intellectual input. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Funding, additional data, intellectual input and materials to support the research. Industrial placement to take place in the future. |
| Impact | Submitted academic paper. |
| Start Year | 2018 |