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GETTING STARTED

What is tribology?

Tribology is the science of interactive surfaces in relative motion. It incorporates various scientific and technological disciplines such as surface chemistry, fluid mechanics, materials, lubricants, contact mechanics, bearings, and lubrication systems. It is customarily divided into three branches: friction, lubrication, and wear.

Conventionally, tribology is a science primarily related to engineering where elements such as tyre friction and machinery lubrication are examined.

Shell Helix Tribology Award trophy

HOW DO I APPLY?

Simply submit a report (no more than 1,500 words) on how you have made use of Tribological concepts in your car design. The report should describe and demonstrate which actions, experiments or simulations were performed and include diagram’s and appendices as appropriate.

You can download the application document on your roadmap, complete it, and send your application directly to eco-marathon-asia@shell.com.

Teams shortlisted for the Award will be informed prior to the event and be required to present their submission to the Jury and be interviewed to further clarify their report’s findings.

Registration for this off-track award is now open. You have until 15th June to complete your off-track award registration.

So get those creative juices flowing and become a strong contender to win this inaugural award.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?

Lubricants play an important role in vehicles, directly contributing to fuel consumption as they create and remove friction in an engine.

The knowledge and application of Tribology is vital in the design of cars and we are now giving you the opportunity to consider efficiency gains from using lubricants in your own Shell Eco-Marathon designs.

Where can tribology make a difference


All teams can apply for this award, application is by self nomination.
Participating teams may compete in:

  • a maximum of two off-track awards of your choice (choose from Technical Innovation, Eco-friendly, Design, Communications and Marketing, and Best Team Spirit);
  • and either the Shell Helix Tribology Award or Safety Award.

Teams wishing to compete must register themselves for the Tribology off-track award by completing and submitting the questionnaires via the on-line registration system, before 15th June 2013.

Please note that except for the ‘Perseverance in the face of adversity’ award, a successful run on the track is required to be eligible for the off-track awards.

As stated in the Asia rules, please note participating teams can compete for a maximum of two off-track awards; or for three if the application for the Shell Helix Tribology Award or Safety Award is included. Only teams that have had a successful run will be eligible to win the award.

Teams wishing to compete must register for this off-track award by completing and submitting the questionnaires via the on-line registration system, before 15th June 2013.

As part of this submission, teams should describe and demonstrate which actions, experiments or simulations were performed to apply tribology/lubricant engineering principles to their SEM project. Submission should be in the form of a short report (<1500 words) with diagrammes and appendices as appropriate.

Teams shortlisted for the Award will be informed prior to the event. They will be required to present their submission to the Jury on-site and be interviewed to further clarify their report’s findings.

The winning team will demonstrate to the jury that they have made significant efforts to include the application of some or all of the following elements in designing their vehicle to maximise fuel economy performance:

 I. Quantifying the impact of lubrication on vehicle performance – demonstrate and document the expected difference as a result of Lubricant use.

II. Modification of engineering designs as result of understanding Tribological impacts - many parts of the engine and the wider vehicle can be affected by Tribological effects, show evidence of this in the car design.

 III. Application of computer modelling and/or calculations to determine engine/vehicle friction – demonstrate an understanding of the use of Lubricants to minimise the impact of friction and show how models of engine/vehicle components can demonstrate these effects.

 IV. Maximising fuel economy credit for all potentially lubricated components – energy/fuel efficiency is a key benefit of effective lubrication in vehicles,  consider energy savings as a result of lubrication in key lubricated. components of the vehicle.

 V. Consideration of lubricant selection and design – explain the reasoning behind the use of the lubricant in relation to the overall car design.

 VI. Demonstration of understanding of concept design limits – show the limitations of changing the lubricant in an engine/vehicle.

  VII. Consideration of Health Safety and Environment (HSE) implications of lubricant choice – show what other implications on the engine / vehicle or environment might arise because of a change of lubricant.

The winning submission will be awarded USD2000 and a trophy designed exclusively for the Shell Helix Tribology Award.

If you have more questions or doubts about the Shell Helix Tribology Award, download the prize toolkit that contains all you need to know about the deadlines, complete terms and conditions and juding criteria.