FUNDING PROGRAM FOR NEXT GENERATION WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHERS

Project Title: Optimization Technology of Nanoscopic Interface for Low Friction Systems and Tribologically-based Machine Design
Name: Koshi ADACHI Institution: Tohoku University
1. Background of research
For resource saving, energy saving and CO
2
emission reducing, reduction of friction, which is a major
cause of energy losses in mechanical systems, has been an important technological issue. The
technological development of materials, lubricants and machine designs for low friction is still advanced
on the basis of empirical valuation. It is, therefore, strongly required to provide versatile and scientific
development approach for rapid progress of low friction technologies.
2. Research objectives
We will clarify self-formation mechanisms and low friction mechanisms of interface layers with nanometer
order thickness found out in three low friction systems proposed by applicants.
On the basis of the above knowledge, we will establish optimization technology and its design concept so
called tribologically-based machine design for creation of nanointerface layer which realizes super-low
friction.
3. Research characteristics (incl. originality and creativity)
Main strategy of the research project is to introduce a bottom-up type development of low friction
technology by focusing nanointerface which gives super-low friction.
We will pursue dramatic technological advances for low friction by optimization technology and its design
concept proposed on the basis of scientific elucidation of nanointerface with super-low friction.
4. Anticipated effects and future applications of research
Low friction technology is not only contribution to reduction of energy loss of various machines directly,
but also secures high reliability and durability of mechanical system. And big economic effect to through
society is expected in reduction of the preservation expense, reduction of plant-and-equipment
investment by extension of the lifetime.
Reduction of CO
2
emission by low friction technology
http://www.khulsey.com
CO
2
emission resulting
from use of electric power
and gasoline70%
Energy loss of engine caused
by friction: 30-40%
10 of CO
2
emission from home:
Friction in automotive
Efficient uses of energy Low fiction technology
- Reduction of automobile CO
2
emission
- Improvement in efficiency of various machines
- Improvement of machine reliability and durability
Friction: System response affected by many parameters
Bottom-up type development of low friction technology
Technological development on the basis of empirical valuation
Stage I Chemical / physical understanding of the nanointerface layer
with super-low friction
Optimization technology of nanoscopic interface for low friction systems
and tribologically-based machine design
Design and creation of materials
Design and creation of surfaces
Design and creation of contact interfaces
Design and creation of lubricants and additives
Surface
energy
Tribo-chemical
reaction
Frictional
heating
Nano-structure Frictional
charge
Surface
texture
Stage I I I : Optimization technology of nanointerface for low-friction
Stage II: Clarification of formation mechanisms of nanointerfaces
with super-low friction and their low friction mechanims
Nanointerface
Nanointerface
Hard matrix
Lubricant