Accounting for the Temperature Dependence of Hardness in Numerical Simulation of Wear in Pivot-Jewel Bearings

Abstract

Pivot-jewel bearings are important components in rotor systems and flywheel energy storage systems; the relative rotation speed can reach about 10³ rps under nominal operating conditions, while the lifespan can amount to years. Wear calculations of the contact surfaces are necessary in such scenarios to assess the life cycle of friction joints. Accounting for the variation in the surface hardness due to friction heating can considerably affect the amount of wear in the contact surface.