image: Southwest Research Institute is home to a world-class tribology testing laboratory with state-of-the-art lubricant testing devices. Over 2,200 square feet of dedicated tribology laboratories include areas for confidential testing and custom test rig development. The laboratory’s in-house machine shop creates custom test parts to work with client-supplied components.
Credit: Southwest Research Institute
SAN ANTONIO — May 21, 2024 —As a leader in fuels and lubricants research, Southwest Research Institute is home to a world-class tribology laboratory and expert staff that are developing advanced techniques and technology to study wear, friction and lubrication. SwRI tribologists will share their expertise at the 2024 Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) Annual Meeting May 19-23 in Minneapolis.
The STLE Annual Meeting and Exhibition invites members of the lubricant industry to share research and innovations as well as the latest technologies, services and products.
“SwRI is actively researching tribology solutions for hydrogen- and ammonia-fueled internal combustion engines as the mobility industry moves toward sustainability,” said Dr. Peter Lee, an Institute engineer leading the Tribology Research and Evaluations Section and current STLE board member. “STLE gives us an opportunity to share these insights with clients, friends and potential clients, and we look forward to discussing other projects and the latest tribology topics affecting hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles.”
SwRI will lead several training courses, participate in panels and chair presentations.
- On May 19, SwRI Lead Engineer Dr. Carlos Sanchez chaired an introductory course on electric vehicle (EV) tribology.
- On May 20, Lee participated in a panel discussion on sustainability.
- On May 22, Lee will chair and participate in a course on diesel, gasoline, hydrogen and ammonia engines. He will also lead a discussion on failure analysis for the advanced lubrication course.
- On May 23, Sanchez will lead the second course on EV tribology covering more advanced topics.
Visit our 2024 STLE event page for more details on SwRI-led courses and technology topics.
“As tribologists and lubrication researchers, we benefit greatly from participating in STLE,” said Lee, who was named an STLE Fellow in 2023, a recognition that less than 200 members have earned as of that year. Lee is a current STLE board member and serves on several committees. “We look forward to a successful STLE Annual Meeting where we can learn from our fellow lubrication engineers and tribologists and share our own deep well of knowledge in this area.”
SwRI’s internationally recognized tribology research facility combines world-class expertise from across the Institute’s 11 technical divisions to offer robust in-house tribology testing services, test rig design, consulting and training, as well as failure analysis associated with tribology from deep sea to deep space.
For more information, visit https://tribology.swri.org/.