Skip to main content

Precision Ultrasonic Measurement of Lubricant Film Thickness

Theory, Compensation, and Application

  • 1st Edition - December 1, 2026
  • Latest edition
  • Authors: Pan Dou, Tonghai Wu, Yaguo Lei, Thomas Reddyhoff, Min Yu
  • Language: English

Ultrasonic Measurement of Lubricant Film Thickness: Principles and Engineering Applications offers a comprehensive scientific reference for researchers, engineers, and studen… Read more

Description

Ultrasonic Measurement of Lubricant Film Thickness: Principles and Engineering Applications offers a comprehensive scientific reference for researchers, engineers, and students interested in tribology, mechanical engineering, and machine condition monitoring. The book addresses the increasing demand for accurate, in-situ monitoring of lubrication film thickness in critical machinery, a key factor in reliability and predictive maintenance. Integrating acoustics, signal analysis, and multiphysics modeling, this book provides a systematic, multidisciplinary resource in the field. The contents span fundamental principles, ultrasonic system design, multilayer and thin-film measurement models, calibration and compensation strategies, and advanced signal processing. Readers are guided through practical engineering case studies, including sliding and rolling bearings, fuel pumps, hydropower generator bearings, and wind turbine pitch bearings. Each chapter provides theoretical background, experimental validation, and actionable methodologies for both laboratory and industrial environments. This book equips its readers with the knowledge to implement high-precision measurement systems, address practical engineering challenges, and translate laboratory advances into robust industrial solutions. It supports academic research, industrial innovation, and the development of next-generation condition monitoring and maintenance strategies.

Key features

  • Presents a comprehensive theoretical foundation and technical framework for the ultrasonic measurement of lubricant film thickness
  • Provides full coverage of fundamental, advanced, and multidisciplinary methods
  • Includes analysis of experimental demonstrations and real-world industrial applications
  • Addresses calibration, compensation, and data analysis strategies for practical deployment

Readership

Researchers and practitioners in tribology, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or signal processing; and graduate and advanced undergraduate students in mechanical engineering, tribology, or condition monitoring courses

Table of contents

1. Introduction

2. Principles and System of Ultrasonic Measurement for Lubricant Film Thickness

3. Lubricant Film Thickness Measurement Model for a Three-Layer Parallel Structure

4. Lubricant Film Thickness Measurement Models for Multilayer Structures

5. Measurement Methods for Lubricant Film Thickness in the Line-Lubricated Contact of Roller Bearings

6. Temperature Compensation Methods for Ultrasonic Measurement Models

7. Application in Sliding Bearings of Fuel Gear Pumps

8. Application in the Tribo-pairs of Fuel Plunger Pumps

9. Application in the Large Tilting-Pad Thrust Bearing of a Hydropower Generator

10. Application in the Pitch Bearing of a Wind Turbine

Product details

  • Edition: 1
  • Latest edition
  • Published: December 1, 2026
  • Language: English

About the authors

PD

Pan Dou

Pan Dou is an Assistant Professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, China. His research interests include ultrasonic measurement of lubrication film thickness, tribology, signal processing, and engineering applications of lubrication monitoring.
Affiliations and expertise
Assistant Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, China

TW

Tonghai Wu

Tonghai Wu is a Professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, China. His research interests include online machinery health monitoring and prognostics, embedded oil/liquid sensing systems, multi-physical signal processing (vibration, ultrasonic, acoustic emission), and oil-data-driven diagnosis and life prediction methods.
Affiliations and expertise
Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, China

YL

Yaguo Lei

Yaguo Lei is a Professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Xi’an Jiaotong University, China. His research interests include dynamic modeling of mechanical systems, vibration and multi-physical signal processing, intelligent diagnosis and prognostics, and big-data-driven condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. He has pioneered many signal processing techniques, intelligent fault diagnosis methods, and remaining useful life prediction models for machines.
Affiliations and expertise
Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, China

TR

Thomas Reddyhoff

Thomas Reddyhoff is a Reader in Tribology in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, UK. His research focuses on experimental and numerical tribology, lubrication and friction behavior of sliding contacts, in-situ measurement of lubrication film thickness, acoustic emission and friction-state analysis, as well as surface texturing and lubricant performance optimization.
Affiliations and expertise
Reader in Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, UK

MY

Min Yu

Min Yu is a Research Fellow in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, UK, where he conducts research on intelligent sensing, instrumentation and control for mechanical interfaces. His work focuses on sensing and control methods for lubricated contacts, condition sensing of lubrication, and mechatronic interface design.
Affiliations and expertise
Research Fellow, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, UK