Research on damage and failure behaviour of coated self-lubricating spherical plain bearings based on detection of friction torque and temperature rise

Abstract

In this study, the wear failure behaviour of coated self-lubricating spherical plain bearings under different working conditions in the light-load and low-frequency range was studied using a swing wear life tester. The commercial GE17ES bearing was the main research object, and the wear state of the bearing was monitored in real time using torque and temperature rise signals. Furthermore, a scanning electron microscope and an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope were adopted to analyse the wear failure mechanism of bearings. The results indicated that the friction torque and temperature rise signal changes were mainly divided into three stages, and the characteristics of similar changes could be maintained under different working conditions. Furthermore, at the end of the bearing life, the torque and temperature rise had abrupt changes almost at the same time, which indicated the occurrence of bearing failure. In general, the wear failure mechanisms of bearings included abrasive wear and adhesive wear. Moreover, fatigue wear and oxidation wear were under some conditions. The torque and temperature rise comprehensively reflected the service state of coated self-lubricating spherical plain bearings, which could be used as a physical criterion for determining bearing failure. These results had a strong prospect of engineering application, and were expected to provide a reference for determining the failure behaviour of multi-type coated self-lubricating spherical plain bearings in the future, and provided theoretical support for establishing relevant test standards.

A new coated self-lubricating spherical plain bearing with high performance and excellent security

“…It indicated that the service performance of Type-1 bearings was obviously better than ordinary civil SPBs. 22 Bearings had the best performance and life at 100 N (in Figure 4(a) and (b)). More specifically, during the steady-state stage, the signals changed steadily and the average torque value was less than 1.5 Nm.…”

“…Load had a more significant effect on the bearing. 22 Therefore, the radial loads applied to SPBs were 100 N, 200 N, 300 N, and 500 N respectively. The swivel frequency was maintained at 2 Hz.…”

“…19 The diversity of self-lubricating coatings leads to great differences in the failure mechanism of coated SPBs. In our group's preliminary studies, 22,23 a general method for determining the failure of coated bearings based on torque and temperature rise signals was established. Different from gasketed-type bearings, the signal change law had a sudden change when the coated bearing failed.…”

A review of advances in tribology in 2020–2021

“…Besides of the evaluations of wear resistance of materials by using laboratory standard tribometers, system level or assembly level bench tests, such as full-size journal bearings, ball bearings, gears, are not replaceable in industry. The self-lubricating spherical plain bearings (type GE17ES) [371], full-size five-pad tilting-pad journal bearing [372], wet clutches [373] have been tested with bench testers. Full-scale testing of low adhesion effects with small amounts of water in the wheel/rail interface has been carried out on a tram wheel test rig [374].…”

High Temperature Dry Tribological Behavior of Nb-Microalloyed Bearing Steel 100Cr6

“…Abrasive wear and adhesive wear are the main wear mechanisms of the bearing [24]. Fatigue wear and oxidation wear occurred under some conditions [25]. A variety of mechanisms involved in the friction may lead to aggravation of wear.…”