NEW TEST RIG FOR MEASURING THE FRICTION TORQUE OF GEARBOXES IN EXTREME THERMAL CONDITIONS

A new test rig for tribological tests was developed and manufactured. It consists of a mobile device for measurement of the start-up friction torque of transmissions, in particular planetary gearboxes, and the friction torque in dynamically steady conditions, as well as a climatic chamber to stabilize the temperature of the tested gearbox in its extreme range: from -50 to +50°C. In the series of devices for tribological tests, developed and manufactured at the Institute, the new test rig is marked with the symbol T-34. The verification results correspond with the churning losses related to the viscosity characteristics of the lubricating oils. As the temperature increases, both the start-up friction torque and the friction torque under dynamically steady conditions decrease.