Influence Analysis of the Antifriction Layer Materials and Thickness on the Contact Interaction of Spherical Bearings Elements

Abstract

Bearings are the supporting elements of bridges. They perceive vertical and horizontal loads from the bridge span. Spherical bearings are one of the construction common types. The material and configuration of the anti-friction layers determine the bearing performance. The paper performed the contact deformation analysis of spherical bearing elements at a nominal vertical load of 1000 kN. The six types of the spherical sliding layer material are considered: ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) from three different manufacturers, modified polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and composite materials by PTFE with two different forms of reinforcing bronze inclusions. Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and strain curve are obtained experimentally for spherical sliding layer materials. Paper considered the influence of the sliding layer material on the contact parameters and deformation characteristics of the structure with a standard interlayer thickness by 4 mm. Research observed significant the composite interlayer deformation and the appearance of “no contact” zones on the mating surfaces. The option of increasing the sliding layer thickness up to 6–8 mm is considered. A decrease is observed in the maximum level of contact parameters by increase of the sliding layer thickness. The influence of the anti-friction layer materials becomes insignificant on the bearing deformation with an increase of the spherical sliding layer thickness.

Friction films analysis and tribological properties of composite antifriction self-lubricating material based on nickel alloy

“…The production mass processed by these machines is at a humidity level of 20%-25% and is compressed in the pug mill head under 2-10 MPa of pressure. The product at this stage of production is an extruded band that is formed by a set of two special tools (plates) which are exposed to especially intensive abrasive wear and an increase in working temperature [10]. This is the effect of the direct contact of the tool with the processed material and the high pressure exerted during the band extrusion.…”

“…Dynamic chemical, deformation, and thermal processes constantly occur during friction on the surface of materials, which lead to changes in the functional properties of the materials [4]. The impact of this process has been widely described by the authors of sources in the literature [4,6,[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. This applies to ceramic materials [6,8,[11][12][13][14], plastics [10,15], and composites with a metallic lubricating film [9].…”

“…The impact of this process has been widely described by the authors of sources in the literature [4,6,[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. This applies to ceramic materials [6,8,[11][12][13][14], plastics [10,15], and composites with a metallic lubricating film [9]. Here, the wear resistance of the composites is determined not so much by their initial characteristics as by the properties of the films that form on their surfaces, as indicated by Olaleye et al [2] and Jamroziak and Roik [6].…”

“…Here, the wear resistance of the composites is determined not so much by their initial characteristics as by the properties of the films that form on their surfaces, as indicated by Olaleye et al [2] and Jamroziak and Roik [6]. Additionally, the effect of using selected solid-based lubricants and the process of forming lubricant films has been extensively described in the literature [8][9][10]. Because the laws established in many studies for friction processes are special in nature and valid only within the narrow bounds of a specific experiment, further study of the phenomena is of the greatest interest, primarily, the condition of the surface layer, which exerts a decisive influence on the performance of friction couples.…”

Experimental and Numerical Study on the Earthquake Damage of Spherical Bearings for Chinese High-Speed Railway Bridge

“…Bearings could transmit the reaction force and deformation of the superstructure to the substructure [1,2]. Terefore, the damage of bearings will mostly infuence the structural safety.…”