Shell Utilizes Simulation to Solve Complex Lubrication Problems
Robert Ian Taylor
Shell Global Solutions
Cheshire, UK
Shell Global Solutions UK is conducting research to optimize lubricants for the fuel economy. A problem exists in creating a balance between energy efficient lubricants that decrease friction, and the higher wear created by the thinner oil film in the lower friction lubricant. There are also many points of contact with extremely high pressure, which increases the viscosity of the lubricant, causing the metal surface to deform elastically thus promoting lubrication.
Shell uses COMSOL Multiphysics to solve the complex lubrication problems. COMSOL allows Shell to develop models without using the existing proprietary code, simplifying maintenance and modification of models.
Suggested Stories
The Burning Need for Modeling
Riello Burners manufactures high-efficiency low maintenance burners for use in residential and commercial heating ...
Optimization Slashes Energy Consumption in Silicon-Based MEMS CO2 Detectors
CEA-MINATEC is an international center for micro and nano-technologies which is funded by CEA, a French government ...
Gaining Insight into Piezoelectric Materials for Acoustic Streaming
Many sensors, such as flow sensors and those used in medical diagnostics, rely on microfluidic devices. However, ...
Revving up Electrohydraulic Power Steering with Virtual Prototyping
In the automobile industry, the only thing faster than the cars that are produced is their design cycle. Validation ...
