Numerical Health Assessment of Surface Wear in Mechanical Contacts Cranfield University

Overview

This Numerical Health Assessment of Surface Wear in Mechanical Contacts programme offered by Cranfield University investigates the relationship between surface wear in mechanical contacts and airborne friction noise. The research addresses how degradation occurring at contact interfaces influences emitted acoustic signals, with the aim of understanding how variations in noise characteristics can be linked to the condition of machine components. The study builds on existing work that has identified relationships between signal energy, spectral changes, and deterioration processes.

Key Facts

The project involves numerical modelling of interacting asperities subjected to tangential loading and sliding conditions. Simulations will examine scenarios in which one asperity experiences material removal while another contributes to compression wave generation in the surrounding air medium. These waves will subsequently be used to generate friction noise for analysis of contact deterioration. The research is conducted within the Through-life Engineering Services (TES) Centre, which provides expertise in condition monitoring, damage tolerance, and asset management.