In this course, lubricants are considered not only as auxiliary materials, but also as a central design element for the layout and performance of machines and components. Participants gain in-depth knowledge about the role of lubricants in modern technology and their influence on reliability and efficiency.

Key topics:

• Fundamentals of tribology: understanding friction, wear, and lubrication
• Introduction to additive chemistry specifically for mechanical engineering applications
• Test methods for the development and evaluation of lubricants
• Lubricants in special applications: aerospace, hydraulic systems, etc.

Learning objectives:

Students develop a deep understanding of the mechanisms of action of lubricants and their importance for technical functionality. They learn how additives are used in a targeted manner to optimize the properties of lubricants.

Practical relevance:

Theoretical knowledge is deepened and discussed using real damage patterns and practical case studies – for direct transfer to industrial applications.

Course content:

• Presentations and introduction to lubricant technologies
• Introductions to tribology; viscosity (VT and VP behavior); density (DT and DP behavior); fluid mechanics; Stribeck curves/hydrodynamics; surface pressure
• Introduction to chemistry for mechanical engineers and additive effects on an element basis and seal compatibility
• EP (extreme pressure)/AW (anti-wear)/CI (corrosion inhibitors) additives, YMI (yellow metal inhibitor)/AO (anti-oxidants) additives
• Lubricants in aerospace
• Lubricants in hydraulic applications
• Thermal and electrical stress on lubricants in eMobility applications (focus on e-motor/driveline and battery)
• Test method development for lubricant testing

News can be found at the institute's news.

Information, lecture notes and supplementary materials are available on the e-learning platform Moodle (Moodle_TU_Darmstadt) of the course “Lubricant Technologies for Mechanical Engineering”.