VISCOUS AND MOLECULAR EFFECTS IN TRIBOCHEMICAL THIN FILM LUBRICANT FLOW

Multiple concentrations of fatty acids in the range of C10 - C18 atoms in light mineral oil were tested in this study. The experiments were carried out in a high-tech laboratory to predict pressure and flow parameters in the confines of a screw driven positive displacement piston. Theoretical and experimental data were compared for pure light mineral oil and fatty acid mixtures. The viscous forces were found to lead to the full pressure drop whereas a minor pressure drop was caused by molecular forces. With increased temperature, less pressure was required to pump the oil through the extremely thin space between parallel plates. The increase in viscosity as concentration increased, resulted in an increase of experimental strain. Variations in film temperatures showed that fluid friction was higher for the fatty acid mixture than for pure light mineral oil. For the variance of pressure with concentration, a regression analysis was plotted. The study was carried out to promote the use of surfactants in the lubricant and dynamic seal industry.