TAF PUBLISHING

In this paper, a new passive filtration system that utilises gravitational force for unfiltered splash lubricated gearbox is presented and analyzed. This filtration system is based on the combination of different types of Shape Memory alloy (SMA) for the controlling of filtration layers’ deflection under different conditions. The primary SMA wires are biased by a bending force created by another type of SMA wires that exhibit super-elastic behavior. These wires are embedded in a silicone rubber film. The phase transformation of SMA wires is induced by the change of lubricant temperature. Finite element model based on ABAQUS is developed to simulate the thermo-mechanical behaviors of the filtration layers. A prototype passive filtration system is made. The experimental observations on the thermo-mechanical behaviors of the prototype are shown to be in a good agreement with the numerical simulation results. This shows the capability of the numerical model for estimating the mechanical behavior of filtration layers with embedded SMA wires at different temperatures.