Current research projects

Image Test procedures for electrical components
Image Corrosion inhibitor for ammonia absorption systems
Image Thermostatic Expansion Valves
Image Tensile and compression testing
Image Innovative small helium liquefier
Image Hybrid- Fluid for CO2-Sublimation Cycle
Image Mass Spectrometer
Image 3D - Air flow sensor
Image Helium extraction from natural gas
Image Electrical components in refrigeration circuits
Image Behavior of multiphase cryogenic fluids
Image Investigation of coolants
Image Performance tests of refrigerant compressors
Image Range of services laboratory analyses
Image Thermal engines
Image Test rigs for refrigeration and heat pump technology

You are here:  Home /  Research and Development


Low Temperature Tribology

Industry and R&D

Dipl.-Ing. Gunar Schroeder

+49-351-4081-5129

Tribological studies at cryogenic temperatures

For special applications at cryogenic temperatures the use of dry friction is necessary because the working temperatures are significant lower than the working range of liquid lubricants.

The ILK Dresden has extensive experience in the field of material testing at cryogenic temperatures and has developed a measuring system (from roomtemperature down to cryogenic temperatures) to determine the roughness and the coefficient of friction of different sliding material combinations.

The test stand consists of an experimental platform and a traversing mechanism with a force sensor, which is controlled via PC. The direct measurement of the friction force is carried out by the distance covered. Measurements can be performed down to −196 °C (lower temperatures on request). The cooling of the experimental platform and the samples is realised by a controlled liquid nitrogen heat exchanger/evaporator. Measurements are performed under an atmosphere of gaseous nitrogen to prevent the ingress of moisture. Thereby the experimental samples have no direct contact to liquid nitrogen. The uniform temperature distribution is measured by thermocouples, which are calibrated at the ILK Dresden.

Advantages: modular test setup which can be changed to specific requirements; adjustment of sample geometry and/or test track is possible.

Parameter

Measuring accuracyMeasuring range 0.4 N to 2 N≤ 1 % of measured value
Measuring range 2 N to 100 N≤ 0.5 % of measured value
Measuring range extendible up to 5 kN

Repeatability
(e.g. PTFE)

± 0.05 N respectively 1.5 % of coefficient of friction

Your Request

Further Projects - Research and Development

Image

Innovative small helium liquefier

Liquefaction rates from 10 to 15 l/h

Image

Filter Tests

INDUSTRIAL AND LABORATORY PRECIPITATORS

Image

Refrigerants, lubricants and mixtures

Determination of working fluid properties

Image

Reduction of primary noise sources of fans

...using numerical and experimental methods with contra-rotating axial fan

Image

Micro fluidic expansion valve

for increasing of the efficiency of small and compact cooling units