Argonne National Laboratory

Tribology Laboratory

Tribology Laboratory Photo Tour

This Nanovea brand test machine can do automated and heated pin-on-disk tests at high loads and speeds, with computer-controlled parameters. The large-capacity lubricant cup is heated using a radiant heater.
The thin-film vacuum-deposition process combines physical-vapor deposition with ion bombardment. This electron-beam evaporation system deposits the coatings.
The apparatus in the photo is used to measure the voltage generated by a temperature gradient (Seebeck coefficient) and the dc electrical conductivity of thermoelectric materials.
This commercial system was designed for the semiconductor field and contains three 8″-diameter targets that can be run individually or simultaneously to deposit metallic or dielectric film son substrates ranging up to 24″ in diameter.
Tribology researchers use this Olympus-brand metallographic microscope is used to study and measure quantitatively the microstructure and morphology of test specimens.
A researcher studies the three-dimensional surface topography and the amount of material loss from test specimens using an optical profilometer.
This cold cranking simulator is able to measure oil viscosity at temperatures as low as -40°C.
This general purpose CETR brand reciprocating tribometer can be configured in many ways, but is used most often to perform high frequency (up to 60 Hz) reciprocating tests on flat specimens.
This characterization unit can measure the size distribution of solid particles suspended in a liquid, using two different methods.
This PCS-brand test machine is used to simulate the contact conditions experienced by rolling-element bearings and gears.
This Falex brand unit us used to subject hard and wear resistant coatings to a harsh grit-abrasion environment to test durability. The abrasion can be performed wet or dry and uses a once-through grit system.
This Eiger brand high-speed rotary mill spins small (<1 mm) zirconia balls in a processing chamber that provides the crushing force that reduces the size of particles suspended in a liquid.
researchers use this controlled atmosphere high temperature tensile test machine for studies of superplastic forming of ceramics in which dissimilar brittle ceramic materials can be joined together so that the joint is stronger than the material itself.
Samples can be prepared inside this glovebox in a dry nitrogen gas environment. Gloves enable the operator to manipulate the experiments without admitting room air, and an airlock enables specimens to be introduced without contamination.
This CSEM brand test machine uses a stationary pin that slides against a rotating disc or flat, and they sliding system can be enclosed for environmental control.
This Hysitron brand surface characterization tool is used to obtain accurate elastic modulus and hardness measurements of thin-film and bulk materials on the nanometer and micrometer level.
Researchers use this Falex brand machine to perform tests to study and understand a type of failure, known as scuffing or galling, which occurs under severe contact at high loads and speeds.
This thin film plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition system is a commercial instrument primarily designed to produce hard coatings for industry, e.g., coatings on metal cutting tools.
This machine can do a wide variety of severe-contact tribological tests that assess the friction and wear-prevention properties of lubricants.
This test rig is used to measure the friction and durability of a short segment (about 2 inches) of piston ring sliding against a section of liner cut from a production cylinder, shown in photo.
This rig is used to test standard steel tribological specimens (cylinders, balls, pins), and can be adapted for reciprocating tests of biological specimens.
The CSM brand hydrogen tribometer is used to test new types of materials and protective coatings that are to be used in the internal components of hydrogen compressors and equipment, for pipelines and hydrogen filling stations (for hydrogen vehicles).
This heated test loop enables measurement of the enhanced thermal conductivity and stability of nanofluids and development of nanofluid technology under conditions similar to those encountered in industrial and transportation systems.
The high-temperature high shear rate viscometer can perform tests at temperatures at 150 degrees C and shear rates above seven million reciprocal seconds.
Support for testing and development of surface engineered materials, lubricants, fuels, and fuel/lubricant additives

Engineers in Argonne’s Tribology Laboratory conduct research on advanced tribological systems (surface engineered materials, lubricants, fuels, and fuel/lubricant additives) for use in aggressive environments (for example, where two surfaces are rubbing together). The Laboratory is equipped with a full range of coating development, friction/wear testing and characterization facilities.

Evaluation of Coatings and Systems

The Tribology Laboratory evaluates high performance coatings primarily intended to protect engine-component surfaces that undergo sliding and rolling contact in advanced transportation systems.

The facility is also used to test systems powered by diesel and gasoline engines, as well as by advanced energy conversion systems being developed under the sponsorship of DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office, Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Office and U.S. industry.

Transportation-Related Tribology Research

  • Testing of low-friction, wear-resistant coatings deposited on metals, ceramics, and polymers intended for use in components for low-heat-rejection diesels and other high-temperature advanced engines and engine power trains
  • Assessment of high-performance NFC (near-frictionless carbon) coatings for use in engine components of advanced internal combustion engines and fuel cell compressor/expanders
  • Evaluation of solid lubricants for metal-forming operations, top-of-rail lubricants to minimize fuel consumption in railroad applications, and lubricity additives for low sulfur diesel fuels
  • Evaluation of low-friction coatings and/or materials for critical components of air compressor/expanders being developed for vehicle-fuel cell systems
  • Measurement of erosion rates of fluids containing various nanoparticles and nanotubes pumped at velocities typical for heavy-vehicle radiators