Current research projects

Image Influenced melting point of water by magnetic field
Image Test rigs for refrigeration and heat pump technology
Image Electrochemical decontamination of electrically conducting surfaces „EDeKo II“
Image Investigation of coolants
Image Software for technical building equipment
Image Characterisation of Superconductors in Hydrogen Atmosphere
Image Cryogenic liquid piston pumps for cold liquefied gases like LIN, LOX, LHe, LH2, LNG, LAr
Image Cool Up
Image Performance tests of condensing units
Image Innovative cryogenic cooling system for the recondensation / liquefaction of technical gases up to 77 K
Image Reducing the filling quantity
Image Calibration leak for the water bath leak test
Image Test procedures for electrical components
Image Computational fluid dynamics CFD
Image Innovative Manufacturing Technologies for Cryosorption Systems
Image Refrigerants, lubricants and mixtures

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Low Temperature Tribology

Industry and R&D

Dipl.-Ing. Gunar Schroeder

+49-351-4081-5129

Tribological studies at cryogenic temperatures

For special applications at cryogenic temperatures the use of dry friction is necessary because the working temperatures are significant lower than the working range of liquid lubricants.

The ILK Dresden has extensive experience in the field of material testing at cryogenic temperatures and has developed a measuring system (from roomtemperature down to cryogenic temperatures) to determine the roughness and the coefficient of friction of different sliding material combinations.

The test stand consists of an experimental platform and a traversing mechanism with a force sensor, which is controlled via PC. The direct measurement of the friction force is carried out by the distance covered. Measurements can be performed down to −196 °C (lower temperatures on request). The cooling of the experimental platform and the samples is realised by a controlled liquid nitrogen heat exchanger/evaporator. Measurements are performed under an atmosphere of gaseous nitrogen to prevent the ingress of moisture. Thereby the experimental samples have no direct contact to liquid nitrogen. The uniform temperature distribution is measured by thermocouples, which are calibrated at the ILK Dresden.

Advantages: modular test setup which can be changed to specific requirements; adjustment of sample geometry and/or test track is possible.

Parameter

Measuring accuracyMeasuring range 0.4 N to 2 N≤ 1 % of measured value
Measuring range 2 N to 100 N≤ 0.5 % of measured value
Measuring range extendible up to 5 kN

Repeatability
(e.g. PTFE)

± 0.05 N respectively 1.5 % of coefficient of friction

Your Request

Further Projects

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Investigation of materials

Investigations regarding the compatibility of materials with refrigerants, oils and heat transfer fluids

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Non- invasive flow measurements

PDPA - flow fields and particle sizes

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Computational fluid dynamics CFD

Scientific analysis of flows