Ceramic Materials in Rolling Contact Bearings.

摘要

The objectives of the program were to design, fabricate and evaluate the performance of a roller bearing having hot-pressed silicon nitride rollers and steel races at speeds up to 71,500 rpm (2.5 million DN). The 35mm bore bearing consists of AISI CVM M50 steel races, fourteen fully crowned NC-132 silicon nitride rollers and a silver plated AMS 6414 steel retainer. Bearing performance was defined in terms of operating temperature, heat generation and vibration at speeds between 30,000 and 71,500 rpm under a predominately 130 pound radial load. Following the calibration testing, the bearing was endurance tested an additional 19 hours at 71,500 rpm. The bearing test operation was smooth and trouble-free. Heat generation of the silicon nitride roller bearing was comparable to that of a similar M50 steel roller bearing. Post-test bearing inspection showed the bearing to be in generally good condition with the major exception of a crack in the inner steel raceway that was caused by the interaction of a contamination dent and a carbide inclusion. Some roller wobble had occurred, as indicated by retainer pocket wear. (Author)