Lubricants | Hot Papers on Automotive Tribology

As the automotive industry accelerates towards innovations in efficiency, performance, and sustainability, tribology continues to play a key role in advancing technologies. This collection of hot papers highlights the most cutting-edge research in automotive tribology, showcasing a range of studies that explore critical aspects of vehicle components and systems. From electric vehicle (EV) transmission designs to lubrication breakthroughs, these papers address both current challenges and emerging opportunities in automotive tribology. With these forward-thinking studies, this collection underscores the vital role that automotive tribology plays in addressing the complex demands of today’s evolving automotive technologies. From improving fuel efficiency and reducing wear to enhancing the performance of electric and hybrid vehicles, these papers reflect how tribology is shaping the future of transportation.

1. “Investigating Failure Modes and Performance Impacts of Wet Clutches in Automotive Limited Slip Differentials”
by Thomas Schneider, Katharina Voelkel, Hermann Pflaum and Karsten Stahl
Lubricants 2024, 12(3), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12030070
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4442/12/3/70

2. “In Situ Operando Indicator of Dry Friction Squeal”
by Maël Thévenot, Jean-François Brunel, Florent Brunel, Maxence Bigerelle, Merten Stender, Norbert Hoffmann and Philippe Dufrénoy
Lubricants 2024, 12(12), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12120435
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4442/12/12/435

3. “Braking Friction Coefficient Prediction Using PSO–GRU Algorithm Based on Braking Dynamometer Testing”
by Shuwen Wang, Yang Yu, Shuangxia Liu and David Barton
Lubricants 2024, 12(6), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12060195
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4442/12/6/195

4. “Revealing the Molecular Interaction between CTL Base Oil and Additives and Its Application in the Development of Gasoline Engine Oil”
by Chunfeng Zhang, Xiaojun Zhang, Qiang Yan, Liyang Wang and Xiangqiong Zeng
Lubricants 2024, 12(8), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12080275
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4442/12/8/275

5. “Exploring the Boundaries of Electrically Induced Bearing Damage in Grease-Lubricated Rolling Contacts”
by Jack R. Janik, Sudip Saha, Robert L. Jackson and German Mills
Lubricants 2024, 12(8), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12080268
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4442/12/8/268

6. “Non-Polar Chain-Enabled Suspension of Carbon Nanoparticles in Base Oil”
by M. Humaun Kabir, Darrius Dias, Evan Johnson, Joe Kosmoski and Hong Liang
Lubricants 2024, 12(11), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12110373
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4442/12/11/373

7. “Electrification of a Mini Traction Machine and Initial Test Results”
by Peter Lee, Carlos Sanchez, Michael Moneer and Andrew Velasquez
Lubricants 2024, 12(10), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12100337
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4442/12/10/337

8. “Deterministic Simulation of Surface Textures for the Piston Ring/Cylinder Liner System in a Free Piston Linear Engine”
by Felipe Kevin Correia Luz, Francisco J. Profito, Marcelo Braga dos Santos, Samuel A. N. Silva and Henara Lillian Costa
Lubricants 2024, 12(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12010012
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4442/12/1/12

9. “Study on Grease Lubrication and Electric Erosion Characteristics in AC Electric Fields”
by Ziying Li, Feng Guo, Zhaogang Jing, Bing Li, Li Zhang and Xiaobo Wang
Lubricants 2024, 12(3), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12030079
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4442/12/3/79

10. “The Effects of the Lubricant Properties and Surface Finish Characteristics on the Tribology of High-Speed Gears for EV Transmissions”
by Boris Zhmud, Morteza Najjari and Boris Brodmann
Lubricants 2024, 12(4), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12040112
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4442/12/4/112