Mechatronics & Tribology Lab

The lab consists of sixteen work benches each focusing on details that can improve the understanding of the physical behaviours inside construction elements.

The aim of the research is to improve the physical models used for designing large dynamic structures such as wind turbines, Francis turbines of hydro generators, and compressors for oil and gas production.

 

The following test benches allow for world-leading research: 

• Test bench 1
  This bench is dedicated to the investigations of actively-controlled oil lubricated bearings. This involves a Tilting Pad Journal Bearing lubricated hydrodynamically as well as hydrostatically. The hydrostatic pressure and controlled flow feedback aim at reducing lateral vibrations and instabilities of high-speed flexible rotors on flexible foundations. 
  
  
• Test bench 2
  This bench is dedicated to the testing of designs, models, and surface-compliant bearings lubricated by air. The air lubrication can be both aerodynamically as well as aerostatically.
  
  
• Test bench 3
  This test bench monitors and controls Top Foil of Air Foil Bearings using Piezoelectric Patches. By statically changing the compliant surface form of the top foil of an air bearing, the bearing load capacity can be increased. When dynamically altering the compliant surface form, the damping and stabilization of the rotor-bearing systems are enhanced.