Solid Lubrication for Spacecraft Mechanisms

摘要

Solid lubrication is critical for many moving mechanical assemblies (MMAs) onspacecraft in applications where containment of liquids is a problem, and where extremes of temperature are involved. Successful applications include deployment mechanisms, antenna gimbals, solar array drive bearings, low-temperature scanner and gimbal bearings, cryogenic propellant valves, slip rings, and gears. The successful use of solid lubricants requires an understanding of their materials properties, and of which solid lubricant formulation is best for the chosen application. Issues such as substrate surface pretreatment, materials compatibility, and potential debris generation must be taken into account during the design of a lubricated device. Testing of the lubricated part should include duplication of flight conditions. Although MoS2 has been the most useful solid lubricant for spacecraft MMAs, care must be taken to minimize humidity during terrestrial storage and operation of MoS2-lubricated devices.