Abstract
In this study, based on the classical Archard adhesion wear theory, a three-dimensional finite element model was established, with the aim of simulating the failure process of self-lubricating spherical plain bearings in the swinging wear condition. The results show that the self-lubricating spherical plain bearings go through two different stages during the wear process, namely, initial wear stage and stable wear stage. Because the large contact points wear out during the initial wear stage, the maximum contact pressure decreases as the test period increases. The relatively larger wear depth region shows elliptical distribution, and the maximum distribution appears in the central contact area. The wear depth reaches 0.974 mm after swinging 25,000 times. PTFE fibers, which possess a good friction performance but poor abrasion resistance, abundantly exist on the friction surfaces of the fabric liner. Consequently, the friction torque during the initial wear stage is slightly smaller than the friction torque during the stable wear stage; however, the wear rate during the initial wear stage is high. The reliability and effectiveness of the finite element model are verified by experiment. The developed finite element model can be used for the analysis of the wear mechanisms of bearings and the prediction of the service life of bearings.
Highlights
A self-lubricating spherical plain bearing, as a type of spherical sliding bearings, comprises a metal inner ring, outer ring, and self-lubricating fabric liners
The wear rate of the initial wear stage and stable wear stage of fabric liners under different pressures and sliding velocities are shown in Tables 1 and 2, respectively
During the initial wear stage, the maximum contact pressure appears in the middle contact area, and the contact pressure decreases along both circumferential and width directions
Summary
A self-lubricating spherical plain bearing, as a type of spherical sliding bearings, comprises a metal inner ring, outer ring, and self-lubricating fabric liners. The wearing of fabric liners enlarges the clearance between the inner and outer rings of self-lubricating spherical plain bearings, resulting in the vibration of bearings, low-working accuracy, and even the failure of the bearings during their service process [5−7]. Experimental exploration is the main method for investigating the friction and wear properties of self-lubricating spherical plain bearings at present [8−10]. In this method, the mechanism of wear failure is investigated by observing macroscopic phenomena such as the morphology and composition change of worn surfaces. Lu et al [23] investigated the influences of motion types of the bearings on the distributions of contact pressure by establishing a 3D simplified model This model could not simulate the wear profile and progressive wear process of the bearings. Based on the analysis of the simulation and experimental tests, the wear mechanism of the fabric liner was revealed
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