Development of the Lateral Effect Photo Diode Technique to Measure Oil Film Thickness

Abstract

A measurement technique was developed using the lateral effect photodiode method to determine oil film thickness and oil retention measurement. A position-sensing photodiode determined the change in position of a focused laser beam. The beam was reflected off a diffuse body and calibrated to varying surface deflections. The calibration showed accuracy to 1 um. Samples of tool steel were prepared with a specific surface topography and then applied with a predetermined amount of heavy white mineral oil. The resulting film of the mineral oil was then observed, measured and recorded using the lateral effect photo diode method. Experiments were also run with a pin-on-disk machine to measure the oil film thickness produced at varying sliding speeds. The experiments showed that the lateral effect photo diode technique can measure oil films in a lab environment.

Presented at the 51st Annual Meeting In Cincinnati, Ohio May 19–23, 1996

KEY WORDS:

• Surface Films/Coatings
• Internal Combustion Engines
• Mineral Basestocks
• Surface Analytical Techniques
• Physical

Notes

Presented at the 51st Annual Meeting In Cincinnati, Ohio May 19–23, 1996