Abstract: A lubricating system includes a machine configured to operate in a first operating state and a second operating state; and a heat activated polymer material applied to at least a part of the machine and to remain solid during the first operating state and to soften upon being heated in the second operating state to lubricate the machine. The heat activated polymer material may soften due to increased friction incurred by the machine in the second operating state. A heating element may be operatively connected to any of the machine and the heat activated polymer material. The heat activated polymer material may soften due to being heated by the heating element in the second operating state. An injector may apply the heat activated polymer material to the machine. A channel may direct a flow of the heat activated polymer material as it softens in the second operating state.

Abstract: Detecting the occurrence of loss of effective lubrication in high-speed machinery components is provided. The imminent catastrophic failure may be predicted when torque or power transfer is lost. An estimate of when failure will likely occur throughout the operation of the machinery may be determined as well as the damage state after the liquid lubrication supply has ended or becomes inadequate to lubricate the machinery components effectively. By monitoring the concentration of gas species and the rate of change in concentration of the gas in the gearbox or machinery enclosure after the supply of the primary lubricant ends, determinations may be made about the time to failure and the damage state. The determinations may be based on thermomechanical and chemical processes, on measurement of a baseline system, or by setting a threshold of expected change in gas concentration. These determinations may be transmitted for further decision making and response.

Abstract: Detecting the occurrence of loss of effective lubrication in high-speed machinery components is provided. The imminent catastrophic failure may be predicted when torque or power transfer is lost. An estimate of when failure will likely occur throughout the operation of the machinery may be determined as well as the damage state after the liquid lubrication supply has ended or becomes inadequate to lubricate the machinery components effectively. By monitoring the concentration of gas species and the rate of change in concentration of the gas in the gearbox or machinery enclosure after the supply of the primary lubricant ends, determinations may be made about the time to failure and the damage state. The determinations may be based on thermomechanical and chemical processes, on measurement of a baseline system, or by setting a threshold of expected change in gas concentration. These determinations may be transmitted for further decision making and response.

Abstract: A lubricating system includes a machine configured to operate in a first operating state and a second operating state; and a heat activated polymer material applied to at least a part of the machine and to remain solid during the first operating state and to soften upon being heated in the second operating state to lubricate the machine. The heat activated polymer material may soften due to increased friction incurred by the machine in the second operating state. A heating element may be operatively connected to any of the machine and the heat activated polymer material. The heat activated polymer material may soften due to being heated by the heating element in the second operating state. An injector may apply the heat activated polymer material to the machine. A channel may direct a flow of the heat activated polymer material as it softens in the second operating state.