Lubrication testing in gearboxes is one of the central tasks of the Institute for machine components and methods of development at Graz University of Technology. In order to do justice to its role as an expert in this field, the IME has set itself the task of further developing the investigation methods currently used in this area and of significantly improving the quality and significance of the results.
With the current state of the art, various tests are used to analyse the lubrication circuits in gearboxes. So-called dye tests and visual examinations by means of transparent gear structures play an essential role. Challenges in these tests, which are usually carried out on swivel position test benches, are above all the limited informative value and the enormous time expenditure of these procedures. Colouring agent tests characterise the lubrication condition only at one speed and transparent structures such as gearwheels or similar cannot be used everywhere due to the mechanical stresses. Furthermore, a visual examination does not allow an objective statement about the lubrication condition of the gear and the installation of complex sensor technology is very difficult due to the spatial conditions and the increasing structural nesting.
These challenges were taken by IME as an opportunity to launch a new research project and to advance into a new field. With the establishment of an electronics laboratory and the employment of a team of electrical engineers, the IME is for the first time dealing with the development of electronic sensor technology and can already show first successes after a short time in the form of a functional sensor prototype.
More Informations see Mobility Sensor Solutions.
