Supervisor:
Per Johansen

Co-Supervisor:

Assessment Committee:
Associate professor Erik Schaltz (Chair)

Professor Rob S. Dwyer-Joyce, University of Sheffield, UK

Professor Johan Carlson, Luleå University of Technology, Sweden

Moderator:
Michael Møller Bech

Abstract:

The dissertation, titled "Adaptive Ultrasound Reflectometry for Tribomechatronic Systems," explores cutting-edge techniques for non-invasive monitoring of lubrication film thickness in tribological contacts, a critical factor in reducing friction and wear in mechanical systems.

Ultrasound reflectometry, a powerful non-destructive evaluation (NDE) method, involves transmitting ultrasonic pulses into a system and analyzing the reflections to gather valuable insights about the system's internal properties. The research presented in the dissertation is particularly relevant in the context of tribology, where the efficient monitoring of lubrication is essential for optimizing machine performance and preventing failures.

The dissertation addresses key challenges in the application of ultrasound reflectometry, such as calibration accuracy, parameter estimation, and model reliability. It introduces novel adaptive calibration techniques, including the development of Kalman filter-based calibration methods and the Adaptive Walk approach, which significantly enhance the accuracy and scalability of lubrication film thickness estimation. These innovations have the potential to extend the applicability of ultrasound reflectometry to a broader range of tribomechatronic systems, making them more robust and reliable in real-world industrial settings.

In addition to lubrication monitoring, the research presents general methods that can be applied to other systems, highlighting the versatility of the proposed techniques. This work contributes to the ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of friction and wear by improving the predictive maintenance and fault diagnosis capabilities of machinery.

Join us in celebrating this important milestone in Elias's academic journey and learn more about the future of tribology and ultrasound technology.