Power transmission for military vehicle propulsion relies on highly stressed, contacting mechanical components under extreme lubrication conditions. Innovative approaches are needed to understand the chemical and physical processes at work in these high performance contacts and to create material and tribological solutions to increase power transfer capability.

One area of study will be determination of the active lubrication mechanisms in tribological interfaces both under liquid and dry sliding conditions with a focus on measurement in situ in operating contacts with advanced techniques.

The second area of study will be to design and explore approaches to increasing the capability of contacts to carry a load, which may consist of engineered surface structures, thin solid films, coatings, graded composite materials, tailored surface chemistry, nanoscale or colloidal lubricant additives, and novel lubricant chemistries which enable continual lubrication in extreme environments and conditions.

 

Keywords:

Tribology; Surface science; Materials science; Lubrication; Aerospace propulsion; Chemistry; Gears; Bearings; Physics;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants