Jost Institute for Tribotechnology

The Jost Institute provides excellent support for academic and industrial research. The Institute covers a wide range of research technologies. These tribotechnologies are applied across a range of engineering application areas focusing on 3M and SWARP.

• The development of computer models to predict the friction of skis on artificial dry slopes
• The development of protocols to prevent vibration-induced loosening (“self-loosening”) of threaded fasteners
• Better understanding of the performance of solid and liquid lubricants used for mechanisms in spacecraft
• Characterisation of advanced materials and coatings for touch screens
• Computer models to predict the lubrication conditions for piston-rings packs operating in internal combustion engines
• Improved understanding of the mechanism of bio-fouling of marine structures;
• Improved knowledge of the friction performance of materials for seat belt release mechanisms in passenger cars
• Better knowledge of the performance of materials for fuel delivery systems for passenger aircraft
• The development of patents for systems to reduce emissions from large marine diesel engines
• The development of world leading technology to measure the thickness of lubricant films within contacts.
• University that brought global tribology experts jointly organised successful international conference (LUMBAT 2016)
• Professor Ian Sherrington has been named as the first Professor of Tribotronics in the world

We offer a varied programme of short courses, evening talks, conferences, seminars, workshops and e-learning modules in specialist topics for those working in industry and the professions.

The courses are presented by highly knowledgeable academic experts in their field. They have been developed to meet the needs of professionals who wish to update or refresh their skills, whether for their own satisfaction, to facilitate their work, or to satisfy the requirements of their professional bodies. Clients can therefore be assured that they and their staff are receiving some of the best available professional training.

The Jost Institute can design specific training programmes for key personnel in your company or institution at competitive costs. Please contact Prof. Ian Sherrington to discuss your particular requirements, or visit our Events section for information on conferences, workshops, lectures, etc that may be of your interest.

The Jost Institute has been awarded a NWUA grant to develop a Continuous Development Programme in Project Management for Engineers (Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Introduction to Project Management, Advanced Project Management techniques to include PMBOK, Prince 2, DMAICT, DMADVT and Agile).

For further enquiries, please contact

Dr Nathalie Renevier, C&T Building, Preston, PR1 2HE, Tel: 01772 893316 

Partners

Working closely with suppliers, end-users and other higher education institutes enable the Jost Institue researchers to make a direct positive impact in the commercial and academic world. These industrial collaborations also provide vital funding and support for research projects.

Industrial partners

Aero Engine Controls is a joint venture between two key players in the Aerospace Industry: Rolls-Royce plc and Goodrich Corporation.

DME - Danish Micro Engineering is one of the oldest manufacturers of Scanning Probe Microscopes and since 1989 active in nanotechnology.

Oerlikon Balzers, a leading global supplier of PVD coatings. Develop processes, manufacture and market coating systems & turnkey production lines.

AVL is the world's largest privately owned company for development, simulation and testing technology of powertrains for passenger cars, trucks and large engines. A specialist manufacturer of materials for the Electrical, Consumer Products and Reinforced Products Industries. Now part of Krempel Group.

Shell businesses in the UK are part of a global group of energy and petrochemicals companies.

CSM Instruments develops, manufactures and sells instruments to characterize mechanical properties of surfaces.

Micro Materials Ltd provide innovative nano-mechanical test instrumentation for a wide range of applications.

Teer Coatings Ltd -specialist Physical Vapour Deposition coatings, design and manufacture coating deposition & test equipment and magnetrons.

Collaborations

• CESI
• Luleå University of Technology
• University of Leeds
• European Space Tribology Lab. -ESTL
• Manchester Metropolitan University
• VTT - Technical Research Centre of Finland
• IUT - Toulouse
• Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm

Visiting members of staff

Prof Peter Jost
Honorary Professor

Prof Sergei Glavatskih
Visiting Professor

Prof Mitsuhiro Soejima
Visiting Researcher

Prof Jungtung Mao
Visiting Researcher
Xian Jiatong University, China

Prof Emyr W. Roberts
Visiting Professor
Emyr Roberts is a visiting Professor at the Jost Institute. He is highly respected for his expertise in the use of solid lubricants in applications in space and has recently been appointed to the post of Head of the European Space Tribology Laboratory (ESTL). His publication list includes journal and conference papers, a book contribution and editorship of an extensive handbook describing practice in space tribology.

However, as may be expected, much of his work is commercially sensitive and details are not available in the public domain. Prof. Roberts has also served in a number of positions n the Committee of the Tribology Group of the Institute of Physics and consequently has a considerable overview of national activity in the topic.

Prof Peter Kelly
Visiting Professor
Prof Peter Kelly has been Head of the Surface Engineering Group since 2001 (initially at Salford University and now at Manchester Metropolitan University) and has been involved for over 15 years in the academic development of magnetron sputtering processes. He is now amongst the leading academic exponents of this technique in the UK, with more than 75 peer-reviewed publications and many conference presentations made on this subject. Prof Kelly received his first University appointment of Senior Research Fellow in December 1999.

Since this time he has secured research income of approximately £1.25M including several EPSRC grants and external industrial funding (Urenco Ltd., Teer Coatings Ltd., Pilkington Technology Centre). Much of this funding is being directed towards studying the use of the pulsed magnetron sputtering process (including the newly introduced HIPIMS technique) for the production of functional coatings. Prof Kelly combines significant experience in the deposition and analysis of thin films, with the measurement and control of film properties. Prof Kelly is the former Secretary of the Ion and Plasma Surface Interactions Committee of the IOP and a former member of the Surface Engineering Committee of the IOM3 (he holds the grade of FIMMM). He is the UK representative on the new Cost Action: HIPP processes (MP0804).

Dr Gordon A. Jones
Visiting Researcher
Gordon Jones has extensive knowledge and expertise in mechanical engineering, materials science, surface engineering and tribology. Gordon gained a Masters Degree and PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Salford. He has published several peer-reviewed papers, and managed surface engineering and tribology centred R&D projects in the UK and USA. He is currently employed as Principal Mechanical Engineer by Waters Corporation Mass Spectrometry, developing technical solutions to highly complex engineering problems.

Gordon’s central research interests are focused on the use of surface engineering techniques to improve the performance of mass spectrometry instrumentation. His specific activities are in the study and modelling of the fundamental physics of adhesion science and its relation to surface contamination phenomena, the study and modelling of oxidation state, growth and dynamics on passivating surfaces, the study and modelling of field and secondary electron emission from engineered surfaces.
Gordon also has extensive experience and expertise in the tribology of mechanical face seals and has several research interests in the development of carbon films for use in mechanical seal face applications.

Prof. R. Derek Arnell
Honorary Professor
RDArnell@uclan.ac.uk

Students

Graham Calderbank
PhD Research Student
C&T Building, CM028
GJCalderbank@uclan.ac.uk

PhD Title : Development of a Lubrication Control System for the piston-rings of a two-stroke marine diesel engine.
Start Date : 01/01/2010
Collaborates
Director of Studies & Supervisor : Prof Ian Sherrington , Prof Edward H Smith

Matthew Dickinson
PhD Research Student
C&T Building, CM123
MDickinson1@uclan.ac.uk

PhD Title : Nano-engineering of piston rings for race engines
Start Date : 01/01/2010
Collaborates
Director of Studies & Supervisor : Prof Waqar Ahmed, Dr Nathalie Renevier

Abdul Shah
PhD student
CM211
AKShah1@uclan.ac.uk

PhD Title : Mechanical and Tribological Behaviour of Thin Ceramic Coatings Deposited on Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN) Substrates.
Start Date : 01/10/2010
Collaborates
Director of Studies & Supervisor : Dr Nathalie Renevier, Prof Ian Sherrington

Weiran Duan
PhD Research Student
CM211
WDuan@uclan.ac.uk

PhD Title : Investigation on Surface Characterisation of Magnetorheological Finishing (MRF) Process
Start Date : 01/10/2009
Collaborates
Director of Studies & Supervisor : Prof Xiongwei Liu, Prof Ian Sherrington, Dr Nathalie Renevier

Peter Hughes
PhD Research Student
PHughes1@uclan.ac.uk
PhD Title : An Investigation into Marine biofouling and its influence on the durability of concrete sea defences
Start Date : 01/06/2009
Collaborates
Director of Studies & Supervisor : Mr Don Fairhurst, Prof Ian Sherrington, Prof Peter Robery, Dr Nathalie Renevier

First run in Preston, was a highly successful conference covering the areas of lubrication management, lubrication technology, lubricant testing, and lubricants & additives. 

The bi-annual LUBMAT Conference and Exhibition on ‘Lubrication, Maintenance and Tribotechnology’ took place in Manchester’s Hilton Deansgate in June, with the special theme of ‘Energy Systems’. about the event.

The Institute support businesses through knowledge transfer whilst also offering a wide range of courses and measurement and testing facilities.

The Jost Institute invites companies to engage in collaborative research projects, with a purpose to accelerate innovation to benefit companies and the world at large.

Collaborative Research:

We are actively involved in Knowledge Transfer Partnership helping businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity. 

Knowledge Transfer:

Our consultancy services cover a range of specialist areas to any industry with tribological needs. If you're unsure, please contact us and we will advise you. 

Consultancy:

The Jost Institute offers unique capabilities. Our equipment are all operating following international standards operating procedures. 

Testing Services:

Academic research is a constant source of innovation. We give special attention in converting our research into products and services with can benefit society, and industry (focusing on regional development). The Jost Institute is also actively involved in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP’s).

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) is Europe's leading programme helping businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base.

Jones Stroud Insulations

Jones Stroud Insulation Ltd. is a member of the KREMPEL group, headquartered in Germany - a leader in the fields of high technology electrical insulation, composite textile products and base materials. The programme lay in the consumer business unit, where high temperature, high voltage sleeving is manufactured. JSI is well established in all areas of the market with a range of traditional solutions. Increased competition identified a need for significant optimisation of processing methods and technology. The KTP aimed to reduce the cost of production and support the introduction of new and niche product development opportunities by optimising current manufacturing methods through process development and implementation of standard business improvement techniques and the introduction of innovative new processing technologies. There was a shortage of knowledge within the Company of approaches to general experimental design and analysis as applied to converting potential new products and process into production.

The outcomes of the project has led to an increased turnover in excess of 750,000£ p.a. (planned 250,000£) and a cost saving of 720,000£. As a consequence of the project, Six-Sigma has been embraced by senior management during the programme and has led to the implementation of six-sigma techniques across the company. This, in turn, has led to the use of modern statistical techniques in both production and development of new products. Managers and supervisors across site have successfully completed their lean six-sigma green belt training. The KTP has resulted in the creation of NVQ level 2 and 3 portfolios with operators and supervisors trained on business improvement techniques.

The KTP associate has also won the prestigious Business Leader of Tomorrow Award in 2008 and this project is running for the Best KTP partnership in 2010.

Dr Nathalie Renevier

Professor Ian Sherrington – Director of the Jost Institute for Tribotechnology Jost Institute for Tribotechnology University of Central Lancashire C&T Building, Fylde Road Preston, PR1 2HE

10 minutes from the railway station, one hour from Manchester and Liverpool Airports.

The Jost Institute for Tribotechnology research covers the following topics:

Design and operation of hydrodynamic contacts, e.g. piston rings and journal bearings. 

Fluid Film Technology

Development of Lubrication Control Systems for Two Stroke Marine Engines A number of patents have been developed by UCLan for a “lubrication control system”. The system has potential uses in heavy engineering applications such as: two stroke marine diesel engines, large journal bearings and large thrust pad bearings.

At present focus is being placed on the development of a system to lubricate the piston-rings of large two stroke marine diesel engines, but other potential applications are also being considered.

This project, supported by a major international company, is examining oil flow in an experimental apparatus. The aim is to study the ways in which oil flows under the rings and to measure the pumping effect of the ring pack. 

Oil Flow in a simulated ring-pack

References: Soejima, M., Smith, E.H., Sherrington, I. and Wakuri, Y. “A Review of Solutions for the Mechanism of Oil Consumption in Internal Combustion Engines”, JSAE 20077160, SAE 2007-01-7160

Probing Oil Film Thickness in Engines at High Speed and Under Transient Conditions

The main aim of this investigation is to study changes in the thickness of the oil film lubricating the interface between the piston-rings and cylinder liner of an internal combustion engine during changes of operating conditions including changes of load, speed and engine start up in hot and cold conditions, similar to those found in engine test cycles and conventional driving conditions. This will be done principally by making extensive experimental measurements of oil film thickness in a firing engine.

However, theoretical studies will also be conducted using software developed over a number of years by researcher at UCLan. This project is conducted in collaboration with Shell Global Solutions. 

The Effect of Operating Conditions on the Hydrodynamic Lubricant Film Thickness at the Piston-Ring / Cylinder Liner Interface of a Firing Engine.

This investigation has led to the development of a high speed capacitance based system to measure the thickness of the hydrodynamic oil film at the piston-ring / cylinder interface in a firing diesel engine.

The system allows liner based sensors to reliably record the ring profile of piston-rings travelling very high linear speeds which was hitherto not possible with this type of sensor technology.

A novel high accuracy calibration system, based on a feedback based nano-positioning actuator, has also been developed. The apparatus has been used to investigate the behaviour of the ring pack in a Perkins 900 Series diesel engine under a range of static and near instantaneous dynamic changes operating conditions when lubricated using a range of lubricant grades. Comparison of stroke to stroke data has allowed film thickness changes to be studied in detail, revealing the effect of changes in lubricant and engine operation of oil film condition. This project is conducted in collaboration with Castrol Technology.