Citation
Taylor, J. and Seabra, J. (2011), "Editorial", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 63 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.2011.01863aaa.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Editorial
Article Type: Editorial From: Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Volume 63, Issue 1
Gears and simple gear transmissions were already common in ancient times, being used in several applications, such as water pumping stations, wind mills and grain mills. Even today, many centuries after gears were invented, there are no alternative solutions that are as efficient and compact as gear transmissions for converting torque, adapting speed and transferring power. Consequently, gears are found in all fields of technology, from computers (100 W) to power generators (100 MW), including passenger cars (100 kW).
In recent decades, research and development in the field of gears has been characterized by a constant growth of the transmitted power and torque, using smaller and lighter gears. These requirements lead to very compact gears with high-power density (kW/kg). This growing enhanced performance originated very significant developments at all levels:
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Design. New gear transmission concepts, updated design standards, better prediction of surface fatigue life and of gear scuffing, mixed film lubrication models […].
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Manufacturing quality. Optimized tooth geometry, improved flank machining, reduced tooth flank roughness, sophisticated gear machine tools, […].
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Materials, heat treatments and surface coatings. Utilization of high alloy steels, more efficient surface hardening treatments, new materials, and low-friction coatings.
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Lubricants. Better anti-wear and anti-scuffing properties, increased high-temperature resistance, friction reduction, increased efficiency, synthetic lubricants, biodegradable non-toxic fluids, longer drain intervals, reduced maintenance costs, […].
The papers included in this special issue of Industrial Lubrication and Tribology (ILT) present several new contributions in several areas: gear design, gear failure (tooth breakage, micropitting, wear), gear power loss, gear materials, and gear lubricants, among others.
The Editors of this issue of ILT are most thankful to all authors for their excellent contributions.
John Taylor, Jorge Seabra