Preparation of a titanium alloy outer ring self-lubricating spherical plain bearing by a two-step extrusion forming process

Abstract

Self-lubricating spherical plain bearings are a key component widely used in the aerospace field. The spherical plain bearing made of titanium alloy has a lighter weight and better corrosion resistance. To manufacture the outer ring of a self-lubricating spherical plain bearing with titanium alloy, a two-step extrusion forming process was proposed. Taking a GE15DE1TK spherical plain bearing as an example, the finite element simulation model of the forming process was established, the forming test was carried out, and the outer ring of a self-lubricating spherical plain bearing made by TC4 titanium alloy was successfully prepared. The results show that forming defects such as over extrusion and insufficient extrusion can be improved by optimizing the die structure, the size of the outer ring blank, and the lubrication conditions. The forming parameters for the GE15DE1TK spherical plain bearing are given. The prepared spherical plain bearing can be used directly without other processes to correct no-load rotational breakaway torque.