Abstract: Methods of evaluating mixing are disclosed relating to the preparation and mixing of materials. Materials prepared may transition from heterogeneous mixtures to homogenous mixtures while the current of a motor is monitored. Quantities relating to the rate of change of power or the rate of change of entropy may be calculated in evaluating the sufficiency of mixing. Methods of evaluating lubricant degradation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating mechanical fatigue using nondestructive techniques are described herein. Such techniques involve mechanically testing a component to establish a relationship between some measure of actuation and a temperature profile produced during the testing. Measurements from a separate external heating test that generates a similar temperature profile on the component may then be used to generate an estimate of a fatigue lifespan of the component by utilizing data from those tests.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating mixing are disclosed relating to the preparation and mixing of materials. Materials prepared may transition from heterogeneous mixtures to homogenous mixtures while the current of a motor is monitored. Quantities relating to the rate of change of power or the rate of change of entropy may be calculated in evaluating the sufficiency of mixing. Methods of evaluating lubricant degradation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating viscous compositions are disclosed. These methods may be used to evaluate volumetric properties of fluids including peanut butter. The methods may include preparing a surface for testing by leveling and flattening a viscous composition, placing a drop of a liquid on the flattened leveled surface, evaluating the observed contact angle between the drop and the surface, and then comparing the observed contact angle to a reference contact angle.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating viscous compositions are disclosed. These methods may be used to evaluate volumetric properties of fluids including peanut butter. The methods may include preparing a surface for testing by leveling and flattening a viscous composition, placing a drop of a liquid on the flattened leveled surface, evaluating the observed contact angle between the drop and the surface, and then comparing the observed contact angle to a reference contact angle.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating viscous compositions are disclosed. The methods may be used to evaluate degradation levels of lubricants including grease. The methods may include preparing a surface for testing by leveling and flattening a viscous composition, placing a drop of a liquid on the flattened leveled surface, evaluating the observed contact angle between the drop and the surface, and then comparing the observed contact angle to a reference contact angle.

Abstract: Methods of estimating tribological damage described herein include examples where varying power is applied between surfaces engaged in frictional contact. Calculations evaluate power consumed at the relevant frictional contact and temperature values may be gathered to supplement the calculated power. Instantaneous and cumulative assessments of damage are calculated based on that information. Measurements or calculations of electrical power may be used as part of the damage assessment.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating viscous compositions are disclosed. The methods may be used to evaluate degradation levels of lubricants including grease. The methods may include preparing a surface for testing by leveling and flattening a viscous composition, placing a drop of a liquid on the flattened leveled surface, evaluating the observed contact angle between the drop and the surface, and then comparing the observed contact angle to a reference contact angle.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating mixing are disclosed relating to the preparation and mixing of materials. Materials prepared may transition from heterogeneous mixtures to homogenous mixtures while the current of a motor is monitored. Quantities relating to the rate of change of power or the rate of change of entropy may be calculated in evaluating the sufficiency of mixing. Methods of evaluating lubricant degradation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of estimating tribological damage described herein include examples where varying power is applied between surfaces engaged in frictional contact. Calculations evaluate power consumed at the relevant frictional contact and temperature values may be gathered to supplement the calculated power. Instantaneous and cumulative assessments of damage are calculated based on that information. Measurements or calculations of electrical power may be used as part of the damage assessment.

Abstract: Seals having incorporated heat pipes are disclosed relating to pumps and other comparable sealing equipment that may include a seal face, a cavity, a wicking material within the cavity, and a working fluid within the cavity. The seals may be used as a pump seal rings and in other applications having comparable heat transfer requirements.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a mating ring, a primary ring, and associated mechanical seal having superior heat transfer and wear characteristics. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one or more dimples are formed onto the cylindrical outer surface of a mating ring sidewall and/or a primary ring sidewall. A stationary mating ring for a mechanical seal assembly is disclosed. Such a mating ring comprises an annular body having a central axis and a sealing face, wherein a plurality of dimples are formed into the outer circumferential surface of the annular body such that the exposed circumferential surface area of the annular body is increased. The texture added to the sidewall of the mating ring yields superior heat transfer and wear characteristics.

Abstract: Fatigue failure in composite materials can be successfully modeled and predicted by monitoring irreversible gains in entropy. Permanent degradations in composites are marked by irreversible processes that are characterized by increases in entropy. By measuring changes in entropy, one can model and predict the deterioration and failure of composites. The technique may be used to predict the deterioration and failure of composites under essentially any type of loading—constant, variable, bending, torsion, tension, compression, or other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for approximating in real time the fracture fatigue entropy (FFE) of a metallic object subjected to cyclic loading. Such objects experience fatigue, which can lead to failure after a number of loading cycles. The disclosed invention allows for real time monitoring of the entropy increase in a metallic object under cyclic loading, and allows for removing the object from service before fatigue fracture occurs. Through use of the present invention, users may keep metallic objects in service for longer periods, because such objects may be safely taken closer to the fatigue fracture point. The invention therefore can effectively extend the useful life of many critical components and reduce downtime resulting from repair or premature replacement.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed relating to the assessment of fatigue damage in objects that include for example, subjecting a fatigued object to a cyclic mechanical stress, measuring a rate of temperature rise in the fatigued object, and assessing a degree of fatigue of the fatigued object based on the rate of temperature rise in the fatigued object. Methods of measuring internal structural characteristics and methods of correlating fatigue damage to results from excitation tests are also taught.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed relating to the assessment of fatigue damage in objects that include for example, subjecting a fatigued object to a cyclic mechanical stress, measuring a rate of temperature rise in the fatigued object, and assessing a degree of fatigue of the fatigued object based on the rate of temperature rise in the fatigued object. Methods of measuring internal structural characteristics and methods of correlating fatigue damage to results from excitation tests are also taught.

Abstract: Seals having incorporated heat pipes are disclosed relating to pumps and other comparable sealing equipment that may include a seal face, a cavity, a wicking material within the cavity, and a working fluid within the cavity. The seals may be used as a pump seal rings and in other applications having comparable heat transfer requirements.

Abstract: Fatigue failure in composite materials can be successfully modeled and predicted by monitoring irreversible gains in entropy. Permanent degradations in composites are marked by irreversible processes that are characterized by increases in entropy. By measuring changes in entropy, one can model and predict the deterioration and failure of composites. The technique may be used to predict the deterioration and failure of composites under essentially any type of loading—constant, variable, bending, torsion, tension, compression, or other.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a mating ring, a primary ring, and associated mechanical seal having superior heat transfer and wear characteristics. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one or more dimples are formed onto the cylindrical outer surface of a mating ring sidewall and/or a primary ring sidewall. A stationary mating ring for a mechanical seal assembly is disclosed. Such a mating ring comprises an annular body having a central axis and a sealing face, wherein a plurality of dimples are formed into the outer circumferential surface of the annular body such that the exposed circumferential surface area of the annular body is increased. The texture added to the sidewall of the mating ring yields superior heat transfer and wear characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for predicting the service life of a metallic structure subjected to cyclic loading. Such structures experience fatigue, which can lead to failure after a number of loading cycles. The disclosed invention allows for an accurate prediction of the number of cycles to failure for a metallic structure by observing the slope of the rise in surface temperature of the structure after the cyclic loading has begun. The method of this invention provides early and accurate predictions of service life and does not require destructive testing. The method and apparatus of the present invention may be installed on working equipment, thus providing service life predictions for materials in real world use. The invention uses an empirically derived relationship that was confirmed using analytical relationships and material properties. The derived formula uses two constants that may be determined empirically using a disclosed process. The constants also may be estimated mathematically.