No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

Within pressurised Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDIs) the contact between the valve components and elastomeric seals is of major significance, representing the main contributory factor to the overall system frictional characteristics. Therefore, the seal performance is extremely important and must be optimised to meet the contradictory requirements of preventing leakage and allowing smooth actuation. The environmentally driven trend to HFA formulations as opposed to CFC based ones has deteriorated this problem due to poor lubrication conditions and it has, consequently, increased the frictional losses during the pMDI actuation (hysteresis cycle). Research has been conducted into the key areas of the inhaler mechanism. As such, the contact pressure distribution and resulting reactions have been investigated, with emphasis on the correct treatment of the elastomer (seal) characteristics. The modelling of the device has been conducted within the environment of the multibody dynamics commercial software ADAMS, where a virtual prototype has been built using solid CAD geometries of the valve components. An equation was extrapolated to describe the relation between the characteristics of the ultra thin film contact conditions (sliding velocity, surface geometry, film thickness and reaction force) encountered within the inhaler valve and integrated into the virtual prototype allowing the calculation of friction within the conjuncture (due to viscous shear and adhesion). The latter allowed the analysis and optimisation of key device parameters, such as seal geometry, lubricant properties etc. It has been concluded that the dominant mechanism of friction is adhesion, while boundary lubrication is the prevailing lubrication regime due to the poor surface roughness to film thickness ratio. The multibody dynamics model represents a novel multi physics approach to study the behaviour of pMDIs, including rigid body inertial dynamics, general elasticity, surface interactions (such as adhesion), hydrodynamics and intermolecular surface interactions (such as Van der Waals forces). Good agreement has been obtained against experimental results at component and device level.

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Currently tribological laboratories are looking for a new type of solid ingredients, to create a lubricating composition with minimal friction, heat resistant, with particles well dispersed in oils, sedimentation stable, improving the running properties and to minimize the concentration of solids. Nanodiamonds (DND) could exhibit the possible solution. These particles (in nanometers size) have very good physical and chemical properties, high hardness and resistance. The main advantages are effectiveness at low concentrations, compatibility with various types of oils or environmental safety (carbon additive, unlike metal) in a comparison with other types of additives. However, it is necessary to study these ingredients. The aim of research was to examine the influence of diamond nanoparticles on friction in a lubricated contact (elastohydrodynamic mode). Using tribological equipment, 3D optical profilometer and a microscope, we compared and evaluated using oil with diamond nanoparticles as well as without them. The research focused on the behavior of nanoparticles in contact and the effect they have on friction. To assess these properties of nanodiamonds, EHD optical tribometer was used (this is a device designed for the study of thin lubricating films). 3D optical profilometer and a microscope to assess the wear. And to determine the relationship between the coefficient of friction (COF) and time, Mini Traction Machine was used.

This master’s thesis describes the influence of conformity on friction in rolling bearings. The coefficient of friction is measured on an experimental machine - Mini Traction Machine 2 – using ball-on-disc method. The results are plotted in graphs which showing the dependence of the coefficient of friction at spin-to-roll ratio for specific conformity, normal load and speed in the contact area. The influence of load, speed or different lubricant viscosity is verified for a given value of conformity. Experimentally obtained data are compared with the mathematical model developed in MatLab, within this thesis.