Awarded Research Themes and Reports
Note: "Affiliation" in the table is based on the day of grant.
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| Grant Year | Research Theme | Principal Investigator, Co-Investigator (Country) |
Research Content Summary / Related Publication / Main Report |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 First |
Influence of sustainable fuel on the tribological behavior of nickel-based super alloys in gas turbine engines | Assoc.Prof. Pantcho Stoyanov(Canada)
23A07 |
Ⅰ. Summary Nickel-based superalloys, such as Inconel 718, play a crucial role in aerospace applications due to their exceptional high-temperature performance and resistance to wear, corrosion, and fatigue. As sustainable aviation moves toward hydrogen combustion, understanding the tribological behavior of these materials in hydrogen and water vapor environments is essential. This project, supported through funding from TTRF, explored these aspects through four studies. The first examined the tribological behavior of Inconel 718 under dry and water vapor conditions. The second study investigated hydrogen-exposed Inconel 718 under ambient conditions, finding no significant friction or wear differences compared to non-exposed samples, attributed to hydrogen layer removal during sliding. The third one used water in its vapor form at 200 °C, having a closer condition to the real application. The last one explored the use of a chromium-oxide coating as a possible candidate for improvement of friction and wear in hydrogen environments. Collectively, these studies provide insights into the compatibility of Inconel 718 with hydrogen and water vapor, advancing its use in sustainable aviation applications. Ⅱ. Main Report (including Related Publication) To be released after related papers are published. Affiliation of Principal Investigator: Concordia University |
| Tribological Challenges in a Hydrogen Environment – Development and Evaluation of a Novel, Optical Test Apparatus | Dr. Sorin-Cristian Vladescu(UK) 23A12 |
Ⅰ. Summary Since receiving the TTRF grant, our team has completed the first comprehensive literature review on “Tribological Challenges in Hydrogen: Solutions for the Future Energy Transition,” identifying critical factors affecting wear and corrosion in hydrogen environments. In parallel, we finalised the design of a novel custom-made optical tribometer, which will enable direct visualisation of reciprocating contact under hydrogen conditions. This setup promises crucial insights into how water content influences lubricant degradation, thereby guiding the development of advanced surface modification techniques—such as coatings, laser texturing, and super-finishing—to enhance wear resistance. We are currently assembling the tribometer, having procured the necessary components as outlined in the grant. Meanwhile, a Bruker Tribolab tribometer was modified and is already being employed for preliminary studies on the impact of hot vaporous water on lubricant performance under a range of test conditions and lubricant viscosities. Collectively, these efforts form a strong foundation for ongoing research aimed at optimising tribological performance in hydrogen environments, with implications for both academic and industrial applications. Ⅱ. Related Publication (Researcher doesn't agree to disclose main report.) 23A12 Related Publication (HP).pdf Affiliation of Principal Investigator: King's College London |
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| 3-D Contact Scanner to measure contact force, real contact area, and deformation curvatures using Frustrated Total Internal Reflection | Dr. Hamid Ghaednia(USA) 22B15 |
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Affiliation of Principal Investigator: Cedar Sinai Hospital |