Lubrication

Purpose of lubrication: To reduce the friction between the surfaces of machine parts. To carry away the heat generated due to friction & to cool the parts. To clean the parts by washing away the deposition of carbon & metal particles caused by wear. To seal the space between the piston & cylinder & to prevent the leakage of working fluid. To cushion the parts against vibration & impact.
MADHWESH N,, Faculty, Dept. of Mech & Mfg. Engg. 1

Types of lubricants
Type of lubricant Examples Application
Used where oil film cant be maintained due to high pressure Ordinary machinery, steam & I C engines. Used where low speed & high pressure exist.

Wax, graphite, Solid lubricants graphite with grease Mineral oils, Liquid lubricants vegetable oils, animal oils

Semi solid lubricants

Grease

MADHWESH N, Faculty, Dept. of Mech & Mfg. Engg.

Properties of a lubricant
1. Viscosity:

Viscosity of a good lubricant should not change

with the varying operating temperature.

MADHWESH N, Faculty, Dept. of Mech & Mfg. Engg.

2. Flash & fire points:

Flash point: It is the lowest temperature at which the fumes of oil will not catch fire but the flash occurs when the flame is brought into contact with it. Fire point:

It is the lowest temperature at which the oil fumes catches fire & will continue to burn when the flame is brought in contact with it.
So a good lubricant should posses a flash point temperature higher than the temperature at which it is used.
MADHWESH N, Faculty, Dept. of Mech & Mfg. Engg. 4

3. Oiliness:
It is the ability of the lubricating oil to adhere to the rubbing surfaces. When a thin film of oil is subjected to high pressure, the oil film will be squeezed out of the lubricated surfaces. So a good lubricant should adhere to the surfaces and maintain an oil film between the rubbing surfaces.

MADHWESH N, Faculty, Dept. of Mech & Mfg. Engg.

4. Cloud & pour points:

Cloud point: It is the temperature at which the wax & other substances in the oil separate out from the oil, when the lubricant oil is cooled.

Pour or freezing point:

It is the temperature at which the oil stops to flow when cooled. These two points will indicate the suitability of lubricants for use in cold conditions.
MADHWESH N, Faculty, Dept. of Mech & Mfg. Engg. 6

5. Carbon residue:
Lubricant oil contains high % of carbon in combined

form.
At higher temperature, they decompose depositing a

certain amount of carbon. The deposition of carbon is highly objectionable.

A good lubricant oil should deposit a least amount of carbon while in use at higher temperatures.

MADHWESH N, Faculty, Dept. of Mech & Mfg. Engg.

6. Volatility:
When working temperatures are high, some oils
vaporize leaving behind a residual oil having different lubricating properties. A good lubricating oil should have low volatility.

MADHWESH N, Faculty, Dept. of Mech & Mfg. Engg.

Commonly used lubrication systems in I. C engines

1. Splash lubrication:
The connecting rod is dipped into the oil of the crank case &
Crank case

at the time of rotation the oil is splashed & it reaches to the

different parts, requiring it.

Crank

MADHWESH N, Faculty, Dept. of Mech & Mfg. Engg.

2. Pressure / Force lubrication:

Pump: Used lubricating oil. to supply

Strainer: To prevent the admission of impurities into the oil system. Oil filter: Which acts like a fine filter. Relief valve: To maintain the oil pressure constant in the system. Oil cooler: To cool the oil before entering into the distribution line.
MADHWESH N, Faculty, Dept. of Mech & Mfg. Engg.