Electric Vehicle (EV) Tribology & Technology

IAS Visiting Fellow Dr Jonny Hansen delivers a seminar on their research - 

This talk explores the key role of tribology in advancing electric vehicle (EV) mobility. Emphasizing the intricate connection between the electrical and lubrication regimes in EV bearing contacts, the presentation highlights the challenges posed by electrified conditions to the traditionally considered relative safety of the elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) regime.

Accurate assessments of the EHL to mixed lubrication (ML) transition are urgently needed. However, conventional methods like Tallian’s lambda ratio prove inadequate, potentially leading to false indications of ML and the absence of electric arcing caused by 'bearing currents.'

To address these issues, Dr Hansen introduces Λ*, a novel film parameter designed for a more precise assessment of the lubrication regimes. This parameter aids in evaluating under which conditions electric arcing may occur and when the lubricant film is sufficiently thick for electrical insulation.

The presentation then extends its focus to cover EV drivetrain technology in the context of the proposed film parameter and concludes by highlighting current design mitigation strategies for EVs, along with prospects for further research.

Arrivals from 11:45 am for a 12:00 noon start. For those joining in-person, lunch will be served after the seminar from 1:00pm.

This event is hybrid format, please use the required booking button at the bottom of the page to choose either in-person or online attendance.
(Please note that in-person spaces are limited and booking is required, so we can manage numbers for catering and also the space inside International House)

By booking a place at this event, attendees agree to behave in a respectful manner such that everyone feels comfortable contributing as they wish. The IAS reserves the right to eject anyone who does not abide by this policy.

IAS seminars are typically recorded, minus any Q&A sessions at the end, again to encourage contributions. The recordings are then uploaded to our website on a Fellows bio page and/or Programme page, along with our IAS YouTube Channel. If you are not able to attend a seminar live, please do still register as we will email everyone who registered to let them know once the recordings are made available.