Abstract
This paper is the second part of an investigation of the mechanism and performance of powder lubrication. In the first part of the investigation (this volume pp. 508–517), the basic features of the quasi-hydrodynamic nature of particulate lubricants were conceptualized and the experimental setup for testing was described. In the tests described herein, load capacity, friction levels, and, most importantly, rates of wear were recorded for a wide range of operating conditions and various surface geometries, materials, and powder lubricants. The test results demonstrate the viability of powder lubrication. The results also corroborate the postulated quasi-hydrodynamic nature of particulate films. In addition, features specific to powder lubrication were brought to light, such as the onset of starvation with time, and the phenomenon of film adhesion. Based on these findings, design requirements for the proper functioning of practical powder-lubricated systems are described. Finally, a hydrodynamic model consisting of a mating surface, intermediate films, and a particulate lubrication film is presented. With these tools developed, analytical or semi-empirical relations should become available for the design of full-scale, powder-lubricated tribosystems.
Published Version
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