Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus that allows a comprehensive evaluation of tribological materials. Such materials include lubricants (liquid, solid and gaseous materials) and load bearing surfaces (bulk materials, surface treatments and coatings). The process and apparatus enable a meaningful characterization of these materials in a way that connects basic lubrication, wear and failure mechanisms with machine hardware in its operational setting.

Abstract: Conventional liquid lubrication requires a compromise between high temperature properties for good lubrication and low temperature properties for pumpability. The major thrust of this invention is the preservation of the long life and reliable mechanism of elastohydrodynamic lubrication in the pursuit of elevated temperature lubrication. The mechanism of EHD lubrication is the primary source of lubrication for rolling element bearings, gears and other non-conforming contacting surfaces which must carry high loads over small areas of contact. The invention supplies the lubricant as a vapor which upon condensation provides an efficient replenishment of the inlet region to the elastohydrodynamic contact. The surfaces are encouraged to operate at elevated temperatures without cooling for reasons of efficiency. Broad temperature range EHD lubrication with perfluoroalkylpolyether fluids provide full EHD lubrication up to 500.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention shows an improved pin jet nozzle for use in providing an evaporative fog consisting essentially of fluid particles having a diameter of less than fifty micrometers (50 .mu.m.). In the preferred embodiment, the nozzle of the present invention comprises a base portion, a pin portion, and a nozzle insert component. In particular, the nozzle insert comprises:an insert member comprising a hollow, generally cylindrical insert adapted to be held firmly within the outlet orifice of the base portion of a pin let nozzle; and,an orifice member held firmly within the generally cylindrical insert member, which orifice member comprises:A. a wear-resistant material;B. a central orifice with a diameter of six one-thousandths of an inch (0.006 in.); and,c. a high degree of concentricity, with a variance in the concentricity of the central orifice of less than two ten-thousandths of an inch (0.0002 in.).

Abstract: Conventional liquid lubrication requires a compromise between high temperature lubrication and low temperature flow. The major thrust of this invention is the preservation of the long life and reliable mechanism of elastohydrodynamic lubrication in the pursuit of elevated temperature lubrication. The mechanism of EHD lubrication is the primary source of lubrication for rolling element bearings, gears and other non-conforming contacting surfaces which must carry high loads over small areas of contact. The invention supplies the lubricant as a vapor which, upon condensation, provides an efficient replenishment of the inlet region to the elastohydrodynamic contact. For reasons of efficiency, the surfaces are encouraged to operate at elevated temperatures without cooling. Broad temperature range EHD lubrication with perfluoroalkylpolyether fluids provide full EHD lubrication up to 500.degree. C.