Creator:John N. Crisp
Date Created:September 29, 1976
Place Created:Washington, D.C.
Keywords:thermodynamic equilibrium diagrams for lubriacants
Context:letter regarding thermodynamic equilibrium of lubricants
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UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON DAYTON, OHIO 45469
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING	September 29, 1976
Dr. William Weigand
Energy, Chemistry and Energetics Section 1800 G. Street, U. W. Washington, D. C. 20550
SUBJECT: Proposal No. R-2^19 entitled. "Experimental Determination of
Thermodynamic Equilibrium Diagrams for Lubricants".
NSF Proposal Eng. -76043^3
Dear Dr. Weigand:
> • 4
I am writing in response to our telephone conversation of Sept. 17. The three items you inquired about were 1. approach to be used if the chemical structure is altered due to high pressure, 2. availability of pyrolysis gas chromatography equipment and 3- indication of energy savings potential.
1.	Structural Changes
Our proposal seeks to determine the static, equilibrium states of synthetic lubricants over a pressure range to 500,000 psi and temperature to l60°F as well as to identify the precise phases existing at the various states. Since the proposed research has never been completed on lubricants to these levels, the extent of structural changes, if any, is at this stage unknown. However, should we experience a major alteration of the chemical structure of the lubricants in the tests the phase diagram vill be established to that level of pressure and temperature. These structural changes, as well as any subsequent structural changes to the proposed test levels, will be carefully documented and studied. Further, glass transition states, should they occur, will be established as discussed in the proposal.
2.	Equipment Availability
The pyrolysis gas chromatography equipment referred to on page 6-2 of our proposal is available in our laboratories for our use in the proposed research.
3.	Indication of Energy Savings
As a result of our proposed research it will be possible to design to increase fatigue life and to reduce friction and wear. Ball and roller bearings, gears and cams are widely used
in virtually all machine applications throughout the United States. A brief discussion of potential energy savings, based on studies completed in the United Kingdom, is enclosed for your reference.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to elaborate on these questions. Should you need any other information please don't hesitate to contact me.
Very truly yours,
John N. Crisp Associate Professor
JNC:cr
Enclosure
INDICATION OF POTENTIAL SAVINGS OF ENERGY
Peter Jost indicates that through proper application of tribology principles (the science and. technology of interactive surfaces in relative motion), the economic savings could amount to as much as $l6 billion per year in the United States. His estimate is based on studies in the United Kingdom in 1965 which estimated a savings of $U8 million in that country due to reductions in energy consumption through lower friction alone. The same studies estimate an aggregate savings of $1,266 billion for all British industry through proper application of tribology principles. A breakdown of the savings is summarized in Table I. The magnitude of the potential savings is rather evident.
TABLE If
POTENTIAL TRIBOLOGY BENEFITS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
Reduction in lower energy consumption through lower friction	$ MILLION 1+8
Reduction in manpower	2k
Savings in lubricant costs	2k
Savings in maintenance and replacement costs	552 '
Savings of losses consequential upon breakdowns	276
Savings in investment due to higher utilization and greater mechanical efficiency of machinery	52
Savings in investment through increased life of machinery	290
1965 Totals (Published in 1966)	1,266
t Jost, P. H., "Economic Impact of Tribology", Mechanical Engineering, August 1975, PP. 26-33.