Trying to reinvent the wheel is next to impossible. But re-designing concepts surrounding the wheel is a constant endeavour, from the automotive industry and high-tech landing gear for planes to skateboards and roller blades – and now, handmade bikes.
Abssac is claiming great success with its Heli-Cal machined spring product in the oil and gas industry, where it is used in a variety of applications to store energy, deliver a constant force, measure accurately for deflection or act as a fail-safe device.
Machine and equipment manufacturers seek to reduce costs without sacrificing machine performance, a balancing act that can be difficult to achieve. Rob Dumayne looks at one particular area - bearing lubrication systems.
Much theoretical and experimental work has been conducted to identify the specific causes of damage to bearing surfaces. Phil Burge looks at the research and explains how the results can help us find ways to reduce the frequency and effects of surface damage.
By optimising the bearing design, lubrication and sealing for wind turbine rotors, blades and tower, reliability and operating life are maximised, says Steve Lacey.