Abstract
This study presented a novel design concept of Rayleigh step bearing systems. First, a simplified model was developed to discuss the wear process in the sliding interface with a spatial distribution of normal pressure. From a simple calculation based on Archard's wear theory, it was found that the use of normal pressure distribution is effective to keep the initial step of the simulated Rayleigh step bearing. Thus, the design focusing on the pressure distribution on the sliding interface, which can be realized by the optimization of the choice of materials, shape, and the configuration of a supporting system, is effective to make a Rayleigh step bearing system with a high robustness. Subsequently, a simple friction test was performed, in which the change in the shape of sliding interface due to the development of friction wear was monitored. From the experiment, the validity of the above concept developed in this study was confirmed.
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