Welcome to | 関西大学機械設計研究室【呂】

Professor Renguo LU

Doctor of Engineering, Tribologist

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Faculty of Engineering Science, Kansai University, Japan

<Research Topics>

The keyword in our laboratory is tribology, which is defined as “the science and technology of interacting surfaces in relative motion and of related subjects and practices.” Tribology is an engineering field that deals with friction, wear, and lubrication. It covers all phenomena that occur on frictional surfaces and is related closely to many academic fields, including mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, materials science, mathematics and biology.

The research topics in our group are listed as follows,

1. Molecular Design for Ultra-Low-Friction Interfaces（Mechanochemistry × Tribology × Materials × Lubrication × Mechanical Engineering）

Overview
By integrating mechanochemistry, tribology, materials science, lubrication science, and mechanical engineering, we investigate friction-induced chemical reactions and surface and interfacial transformations at the molecular level. Our goal is to elucidate fundamental interfacial phenomena and establish design principles for ultra-low-friction, high-performance surfaces and interfaces.

Research Perspectives
By elucidating interfacial phenomena at the molecular level and controlling interfacial reactions based on this understanding, we aim to design high-performance surfaces and interfaces with ultra-low friction and wear, thereby enhancing the reliability and service life of machine elements while reducing friction-induced energy losses.

2. Understanding Friction and Wear for High-Performance Surface Design（Tribology × Biomimetics × Surface Topology）

Overview
By integrating tribology, biomimetics, and surface topology, we investigate the fundamental mechanisms of friction and wear. Inspired by functional surface structures found in nature, we seek to translate biological principles into engineering solutions and develop high-performance surfaces and interfaces with reduced friction and wear.

Research Perspectives
By elucidating friction and wear mechanisms and optimizing surface structures and textures inspired by nature, we aim to enhance lubrication performance, reduce friction and wear, and ultimately develop high-performance, durable surfaces and interfaces with extended service life.

3. Visualizing Lubricant Film Formation through Image Analysis（Image Analysis × Tribology × Grease）

Overview
By integrating image analysis with tribology, we quantitatively visualize the temporal and spatial distributions of lubricant films under grease lubrication. We further investigate the relationship between thickener behavior and lubricant film formation to elucidate the underlying mechanisms governing grease lubrication.

Research Perspectives
By quantitatively visualizing lubricant film formation and evolution and elucidating the mechanisms by which thickeners promote film formation and retention, we aim to establish high-precision evaluation methods for lubricant film behavior and frictional characteristics, contributing to the development and optimization of high-performance, long-life greases and lubricants.

4. Tribology for the Future of Machine Health（Machine Learning × Tribology × Machine Maintenance）

Overview
By integrating machine learning with tribological knowledge, we detect incipient damage from sensor signals such as acoustic emission and vibration. We investigate the relationships among friction, wear, lubrication conditions, and damage progression to establish highly accurate methods for assessing machine health.

Research Perspectives
By combining sensor data with tribological knowledge to identify early signs and progression of damage, we aim to achieve high-accuracy condition diagnosis using machine learning. This approach will enable earlier fault detection, advance predictive maintenance, enhance system reliability, and reduce maintenance requirements.

5. Advanced Tribological Surface Technologies for the EV Era（Electric Vehicles × Mechatronics × Tribology）

Overview
Building on fundamental principles of tribology, we investigate friction, wear, and lubrication phenomena in electric vehicles and mechatronic systems. By controlling surfaces and interfaces in drivetrains and machine elements, we seek to reduce energy losses and realize highly efficient, reliable, and durable mechanical systems.

Research Perspectives
By elucidating friction and wear mechanisms in electric vehicles and mechatronic systems and optimizing surface and interfacial properties, we aim to reduce friction-induced energy losses, wear, and damage, thereby improving efficiency, reliability, and service life while reducing environmental impact.

6. Elucidating Friction and Lubrication Mechanisms in Extreme Environments（Vacuum Science × Space Engineering × Semiconductor Manufacturing × Tribology）

Overview
We investigate surface and interfacial phenomena as well as friction, wear, and lubrication behavior across environments ranging from atmospheric pressure to high vacuum. Our goal is to establish reliable lubrication and interface design strategies for extreme environments, including space systems and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Research Perspectives
By elucidating friction, wear, and lubrication mechanisms unique to vacuum environments, we aim to develop advanced surface and lubrication technologies for extreme conditions. These technologies are expected to enable low wear, low particle generation, and stable lubrication, thereby enhancing the reliability and service life of space systems and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

We welcome applications from prospective Master’s and PhD students. As tribology is highly interdisciplinary, students from mechanical engineering, materials science, chemistry, and related fields are encouraged to apply. We also welcome postdoctoral researchers to join our research activities.

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