Consulting Engineering

Tribology

Optical Interference fringe studies confirmed the film thickness and operation of an elastomeric rotary seal concept that generates hydrodynamic lubrication.
Optical Interference fringe studies confirmed the film thickness and operation of an elastomeric rotary seal concept that generates hydrodynamic lubrication.
Coupled modal-based elasto-hydrodynamic analysis was used to predict interfacial lubricant film thickness, pressure and running friction of flexing type thrust bearings.
Coupled modal-based elasto-hydrodynamic analysis was used to predict interfacial lubricant film thickness, pressure and running friction of flexing type thrust bearings.
Elastohydrodynamic and macro hydrodynamic lubrication analysis and testing were performed to design a high load capacity, abrasive-tolerant, mud lubricated rubber thrust bearing for downhole turbines.
Elastohydrodynamic and macro hydrodynamic lubrication analysis and testing were performed to design a high load capacity, abrasive tolerant, mud lubricated rubber thrust bearing for downhole turbines.

Tribology, a word coined in the 1960s from the Greek “tribos” for “rubbing,” is the science of interacting surfaces in moving contact involving multi-disciplines of friction, lubrication, and wear. Tribological issues are frequently the underlying cause of a majority of mechanical equipment failures and degradation. Kalsi Engineering personnel have been supporting the industry by providing fundamentally sound tribological solutions to dynamic seal, bearing, and mechanical contact problems by analysis, testing, research, and development.

Laboratory tests confirmed analytical predictions of lower friction coefficients obtained with a novel bearing designed for high load/high speed applications.
Laboratory tests confirmed analytical predictions of lower friction coefficients obtained with a novel bearing designed for high load/high speed applications.

Capabilities

  • Hydrodynamic / elastohydrodynamic lubrication analysis
  • Analytical modeling of metal-to-metal (hard) and elastomer/polymer-to-metal (soft) contacts by finite element analysis including material and geometrical nonlinearities
  • Subscale and full-size testing to evaluate performance and life of lubricated and unlubricated contacts
  • Friction, wear, and galling testing of components
  • Wear prediction modeling and accelerated wear testing to confirm predictions
  • Evaluation of lubricants, greases, surface treatments, and abrasive environments