Observing engine oil beneath metal: Scientists reveal how lubricant oil disperses in a functioning clutch
Thursday, April 4, 2013 - 08:01
in Physics & Chemistry
Lubricating oil is essential for engines. Multi-disc clutches, like those found in motorcycles, are also lubricated and cooled with oil. The oil pump has to be driven by the engine at the same time, thus increasing the vehicle's fuel consumption. The goal of developers is therefore to optimally lubricate the drive components – with the smallest possible volume of flowing oil. In order to observe how oil is distributed inside a clutch, Developmental Engineers from the Schaeffler-Brand LuK (D) together with scientists from the Paul Scherrer Institute in Villigen (CH) are working together, illuminating metals with neutrons.