Paper 4: Effect of Environment on Bearing Performance

Abstract

The life of bearings, components which allow relative motion between members of a mechanism, is greatly dependent upon the properties of the materials of construction, but the nature of the lubricant and the environment can have a dominant effect on the incidence of failure. Lubricant contamination and degradation can be deleterious. Additives which impart or reinforce some lubricant property desirable for a specific mechanism may be detrimental to other moving mechanisms. Water in lubricant, not adequately additive fortified, may be harmful. Solid additives such as MoS2 can be beneficial if used correctly. Incompatibility with other additives may have adverse effects. The role of material properties and surface treatments in counteracting deleterious lubricant effects is discussed. Aspects of specific environmental effects as well as failure mechanisms in general are dealt with.