Jose M. Garcia, PhD

• Modeling the startup conditions of hydraulic components

There are no theoretical models that predict the start-up condition of hydraulic components. A computer model could be used to improve the geometry of inner components, and reduce the contact stresses. Reducing the internal stresses on the components enables improved durability. Additionally, studying and modeling this machines based on their geometry is fundamental to determine the appropriate clearances for optimal performance.

• Effects of physical properties of fluids on fluid power systems performance

Recent experimental findings had shown that the viscosity of the lubricating fluid in combination with the load characteristics of two mating surfaces have a significant effect on the static friction coefficient. our goal is to study this effect and its applications to fluid power.

• Nonconventional materials for use in fluid power

Using tribology theory and contact mechanics to design and develop hydraulic components fabricated with non-traditional materials. These materials would include plastics, ceramics or polymer composites reinforced with particles made of renewable resources. This is important because it will enable the use of environmentally friendly fluids like water or water solutions to be used in applications that typically prohibit hydraulics (paper mills, pharmaceutical, food industry, etc). This is also important because these materials will lead to components of lower weight, an important issue in aerospace and automotive industries where regulations towards fuel savings are stricter every day. Novel materials can cut manufacturing costs, introduce new manufacturing methods. New materials can also be used to introduce hydraulics in new technologies like wind power, hybrid vehicles, robotics, aerospace, manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, etc.

• Development of a new generation of water hydraulic components

Water is friendlier to the environment and has better controllability than traditional hydraulics because of the bulk modulus. This could present and advantage for robotics, as faster and more precise actuation could be achieved, with the advantage of more power as opposed to pneumatics. The main problem with water hydraulics when compared to oil, is that water because is less viscous, is harder to seal and has poor lubricating properties, this challenge presents an opportunity to tribologists were finding the appropriate lubricating conditions is required to find an optimal solution.