Design and execution of additional module of laboratory equipment for measurement of friction within lubricated contacts

Abstract

This bachelor‘s thesis presents the design and implementation of a module of laboratory device for measuring coefficient of friction and friction forces in elastohydrodynamic lubricated contacts. The module is able to measure friction forces in two perpendicular axes. A motivation for realization of this module was the absence of a similar equipment. The retrieval section of this thesis is dedicated to tribology, strain gauges (force sensors) and compliant mechanisms. The selection of the appropriate concept of the module and the force transducers is solved in the design part of thesis. The compliant mechanism with flexure hinges was designed via FEM analysis. This mechanism allows the displacement of the contact member of module in the direction of the frictional forces acting within a lubricated contact. The proposed module was manufactured, implemented in laboratory equipment and its functionality was tested. According to preliminary results, the module fulfilled the objectives of this thesis