Quality Water Lubrication of Special Triboceramics, Alloys and Self-Lubricating Composites

A program of materials identification and testing is proposed to support the development of advanced water-lubricated steam engine systems. Yankee Scientific is the leading US developer of advanced small-scale water/steam power technology. YankeeScientific's work in this area is supported by the DOD for self-powered portable field kitchens and by a consortium of companies that have a large share of current US market for residential heating appliances. Yankee Scientific's advances are in theminiaturization, simplification, and cost reduction of system components through the use of a two-phase working fluid and an oil-free positive-displacement scroll expander. The proposed project directly addresses existing needs to characterize the wearperformance of seal and bearing materials in the environment of high temperature and pressure water/steam mixtures, where the use of traditional lubricants is impractical. The data and instruments developed in this program will provide important technicalsupport to the development of a wide range of engines and energy systems using water as the working fluid. Design of seals and bearings without complications of traditional lubricants is critical and little data currently exists for appropriate materialsoperating in a high temperature and pressure water environment.