Development of hydrodynamic micro-bearings
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Wang, P
Zhang, J
Spikes, HA
Reddyhoff, T
Holmes, AS
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
This paper describes the modelling and testing of mm-scale hydrodynamic bearings which are being developed to improve the efficiency of a cm-scale turbine energy harvester, whose efficiency was previously limited by poorly lubricated commercial jewel-bearings. The bearings were fabricated using DRIE and their performance was assessed using a custom built MEMS tribometer. Results demonstrate that acceptably low friction is achieved when low viscosity liquid lubricants are used in combination with an appropriate choice of friction modifier additive. Further reduction in friction is demonstrated when the step height of bearing is adjusted in accordance with hydrodynamic theory. In parallel with the experiments, hydrodynamic lubricant modelling has been carried out to predict and further optimize film thickness and friction performance. Modelling results are presented and validated against experimental friction data.
Date Issued
2016-12-14
Date Acceptance
2016-11-09
Citation
Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2016, 773 (conference 1)
ISSN
1742-6588
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Physics: Conference Series
Volume
773
Issue
conference 1
Copyright Statement
© 2016 The Authors. Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/). Any further distribution
of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.
of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.
License URL
Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Grant Number
EP/D04099x/1
EP/G026114/1
Source
16th International Conference on Micro and Nanotechnology for Power Generation and Energy Conversion Applications (PowerMEMS 2016)
Subjects
02 Physical Sciences
09 Engineering
Publication Status
Published
Start Date
2016-12-06
Finish Date
2016-12-09
Coverage Spatial
Paris, FRANCE