Evaluation of Oscillating Bearings for High-Temperature and High-Vacuum Operation

Abstract

The friction and wear characteristics of oscillating, plain journal, and self-aligning bearings were determined over a temperature range of −90 to 1750F, in a vacuum ranging from 10−6 to 10−3 torr and at atmospheric pressure. The nominal shaft diameter was one-half inch. The projected bearing load was from 4400 to 12,000 psi. The oscillating frequency was held constant at 31 cpm. The amplitude of oscillation was ± 25°. The bearing and shaft materials were two oxide-bonded cermets (Cr-Al2O3-Mo-TiO2 and Cr-Al2O3-W) and two high-temperature alloys (Cb-W-Mo-Zr-O-C and Ni-Cr-Co-Mo-Fe-Ti-Al-C-B). The lubrication means were silver-palladium cladding, MoS2 powder packed in a cavity in the bearing, and a resin-bonded MoS2 film; these were evaluated in a vacuum ranging from 10−6 to 10−3 torr. The most satisfactory performance over a wide range of operating conditions was provided by the cermet materials in combination with MoS2 powder packed in a cavity. Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers pap...