Carnegie Mellon Engineering

Self-replenishing, Self-repairing Powder Lubrication Technology for Fuel Cells

C. Fred Higgs, Mechanical Engineering and Computer & Electrical Engineering

The Particle Flow & Tribology Laboratory in the MechE department at Carnegie Mellon has been developing a powder-lubricated journal bearing to lubricate high-speed, high-load machinery without oil. In order to test the technology, an extreme-condition pellet-on-disk tribometer was built.


This research proposes the use of oil-free lubricants namely environmentally-benign powders for lubrication of critical components such as bearings used in fuel cell compressors and expanders.  Fuel cell stacks for automotive applications require extremely efficient compressor/expander systems and existing technologies cannot meet these stringent operational requirements.   Since these compressor/expander systems will operate at extreme-speeds (~75 m/s), their efficiency and reliability will depend on effective lubrication of the mating components.  Additionally, conventional oils cannot be used without the danger of contaminating mobile fuel cell stacks and would not be lubricious in stationary high-temperature fuel cells environments. Fortunately, lamellar powders or “powder lubricants” such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), tungsten disulphide (WS2) and environmentally-benign boric acid have demonstrated excellent tribological capabilities.


We are looking for a motivated and talented research-honors undergraduate to:

  • Maintain the data acquisition
  • Aid with powder pellet manufacturing
  • Conduct friction/wear tests on tribometer


Skills needed: Senior standing; Research honors status; Basic CMU computer programming skills; Mechanical Intuition;


Please send resume to: Prof. C. Fred Higgs III (email: higgs@cmu.edu)
Lab: http://www.me.cmu.edu/faculty1/higgs
Ph.: 8-2486


Companies/Industries that have or are likely to approach professor for students to hire: Bell Helicopter, NASA, Department of Defense, Lockheed-Martin, GE


Internet References that provide extra knowledge: 
http://www.me.cmu.edu/faculty1/higgs/powder.html
http://www.miti.cc/