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Updated: May 15, 2026

Experiments on Ultrasonic Lubrication Using a Piezoelectrically-assisted Tribometer and Optical Profilometer
Published on: September 28, 2015
Tribology and energy efficiency: from molecules to lubricated contacts to complete machines
1Shell Global Solutions (UK), Shell Technology Centre Thornton, PO Box 1, Chester, CH1 3SH, UK. robert.i.taylor@shell.com
Abstract:
The impact of lubricants on energy efficiency is considered. Molecular details of base oils used in lubricants can have a great impact on the lubricant's physical properties which will affect the energy efficiency performance of a lubricant. In addition, molecular details of lubricant additives can result in significant differences in measured friction coefficients for machine elements operating in the mixed/boundary lubrication regime. In single machine elements, these differences will result in lower friction losses, and for complete systems (such as cars, trucks, hydraulic circuits, industrial gearboxes etc.) lower fuel consumption or lower electricity consumption can result.
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