Master/Bachelor Thesis: Shear-degradation bleeding model of starved grease lubricated rolling contacts

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Shear-degradation bleeding model of starved grease
lubricated rolling contacts

The Institute of Machine Elements and
System Engineering researches the
fundamental structural and tribological
behaviour of machine elements and
represents them 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 developed models are
also used to research and develop
methods of Model Based Systems
Engineering as a central element of
future inductive product development
processes.
Greases, as a typically lubricant used for
wind turbines drivetrain, consist of a
thickener, which stores the oil within its
sponge-like structure. During operation,
oil is slowly released, which is referred
to oil bleeding. This ensures an efficient
operation with long service life for rolling
element bearings. However, only simple
fluid models exist so far to simulate their
tribological behaviours. Therefore, the
objective of the MA/BA work is to
develop a more detailed digital twin
lubrication model of rolling contacts
within the framework of OpenFOAM by
relating oil bleeding with shear-
degradation of thickener structure. In
addition, oil bleeding volume will be
evaluated and compared with the
previous CFD results and experimental
results for validation.

Master/Bachelor Thesis

Thinking the Future
Zukunft denken

If interested, please contact:
Shuo Zhang, M.Eng.
R 304
Tel. 0241 80-90877
shuo.zhang@imse.rwth-aachen.de

Institute for Machine Elements and Systems
Engineering (MSE)
Prof. Dr. Georg Jacobs
Schinkelstraße 10
52062 Aachen | GERMANY
www.imse.rwth-aachen.de
04/21

Tasks:
 Literature research on oil bleeding of greases
 Development of shear-degradation model of grease thickener

structure
 Evaluation oil bleeding using this model within simulation tool

OpenFOAM
 Validation with the EHL tribometer

Requirements:
 Independent and reliable working
 Interest and open mind to learn new things
 Previous knowledge of Computational Fluid Dynamics is an

advantage, but not mandatory

We offer:
 Intensive supervision
 Immediate start or by appointment
 Excellent working atmosphere
 Suitbale for homeoffice
 Promising topic and experience for a future career

mailto:shuo.zhang@imse.rwth-aachen.de

• Master/Bachelor Thesis