Treatises from the fields of Product Innovation, Advanced Manufacturing and Market Strategy that are related to bearing technology can be submitted. We refer to the definition of bearings technology and the enclosed examples of topics below.

The treatises may have been drawn up by individual natural persons or by teams. In the case of teams consisting of natural persons, the team has to nominate an authorized person to represent the team against FAG Foundation in all actions.

If the treatise has been drawn up in the context of a scientific institute, a company or a similar institution, the corresponding consent with the participation in this competition is required.

The treatises may be submitted in German or English and should not have been completed more than three years before the application deadline.

Applications are to be directed to the FAG Foundation by the announced application deadline.

Documents

The following documents must be submitted along with an application:

• Fully completed application form
• Curriculum vitae/photography
• Scientific-engineering treatise (complete copy)
• Description of the treatise contents (a side)
• Expert assessment on the treatise
• Teams: Authorization

Address

The documents should be sent to:

FAG Foundation
Georg-Schäfer-Str. 30
D-97421 Schweinfurt

The contents of the submitted treatises will be treated confidentially. The applicant agrees that the submitted treatise be passed on to the founder for inspection and for utilization, should the occasion arise.

The foundation and the Schaeffler Group will handle the submitted treatises with care. However no liability will be accepted for its loss, damage or unauthorized usage by third parties.

The awarding of prizes will be decided by the foundation committee of the FAG Foundation.

The judges' decision is final.

We reserve the right to renounce on the awarding of prizes if no prize-worthy treatise has been handed in. In the case of several equally good treatises, a division of prizes is possible.

The conditions of entry are accepted as binding on submitting the application.

Examples of themes

Product Innovation

• Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of Various Types of Restrictors for Hydrostatic Bearings
• Development of physical / mathematical models for describing the kinematics and dynamics in rolling bearings
• Tribology in rolling contact
• Reaction layer formation in rolling or sliding contacts when applying suitable EP lubricants
• Inspection technique for determining the lubricant life cycle
• New methods in analysis and diagnostics of rolling bearing damage
• Surface layer coating of rolling bearing components
• Cage stress in bearings
• Criteria of minimum loads in large rolling bearings
• Vibration diagnostics for the determination of rolling bearing life cycles
• Sensors in rolling bearings

Advanced Manufacturing

• Design of synchronus belt test rig for noise investigation
• New methods in ring manufacturing
• New methods of heat treatment of rolling bearing components
• New methods in grinding and honing technology
• Self-learning factory – Conditions and arrangements
• New methods in machining of hardened materials
• New surface techniques for metal surfaces

Market Strategy

• The Role of Internet in New Product Performance
• Marketing of machine components and services for machine industries
• Pricing of services for machine industries
• Extended value chain management
• Business development and market-structure innovations
• The Internet as an new distribution channel for machine components in a company with a multi-national sales structure
• Cooperation with companies from foreign industrial segments for marketing preventive maintenance services for large-size bearings (paper mills, steel mills etc.)

Please use this Application Form.