A scientific investigation into the mysteries of lubricating grease degradation and entropy has been awarded the NLGI Research Grant for 2017, the National Lubricating Grease Institute announced Dec. 22. Louisiana State University will receive the institutes annual Research Grant, which will fund research led by Prof. Michael Khonsari, Dow Endowed Chair at LSUs Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.
The researchers said they believe this work has the potential to lead to significant improvements in bearing operational reliability, efficiency and maintenance practices in the field. The proposed research, titled Determination of Grease Life in Bearings via Entropy, involves establishing correlations between the mechanical degradation of a grease and entropy generation. These relationships then could be used to determine the degradation rate for a given grease and assess its remaining useful life.
Photo: Bosca78/iStock
The National Lubricating Grease Institute awarded its annual Research Grant to Louisiana State University to fund research, titled “Determination of Grease Life in Bearings via Entropy.”
NLGI received numerous applications this fall from universities and research institutions in the U.S. and abroad. Of these, its Research Grant Review Committee found LSUs proposal to have the strongest potential to advance the worlds understanding of lubricating greases.
Were thrilled to award LSU as the recipient of the NLGI Research Grant, said Dave Como, NLGI President. We look forward to partnering with LSU and Dr. Khonsari over the next year. NLGI members will be able to expand their knowledge via LSUs technical paper presentation during NLGIs annual meeting after the research work is complete as well as referencing their final written report on NLGIs website.
NLGI now is preparing to take applications for its 2018 Research Grant, with proposals accepted online through March 15. Up to $50,000 in grant money may be awarded in the year, the group said, and the goal is to present the award in time for the funded research work to begin next fall.
Researchers can find details, including a description of the program, criteria and qualifications, and the application form at www.NLGI.org.