INVESTIGATION OF SELF-ALIGNING MOUNTINGS FOR SPACE OPERATION.
Abstract
A study phase and an experimental test program are described for investigation of self-aligning bearing mountings in air and ultra-high vacuum from -100F to 2500F. Eleven self-aligning mounting concepts plus sixteen variations in concept configurations were evaluated in the study phase. Two different concepts, 'an antifriction ball' and 'a multiple lubricant ring', were selected for test and evaluation in a Phase II test program. A study was conducted throughout the program to select lubricants for operation in air and vacuum from -100F to 2500F. Test fixtures were designed and fabricated to permit evaluation of mounting performance under simulated space and re-entry environments. Mountings fabricated from aluminum oxide were subjected to alignment-misalignment cycling in air from -100F to 1500F and in a vacuum from 0F to 1500F. Minimum pressure obtained in vacuum tests was less than 5 x 10 to the minus 11th power Torr. Successful operation was obtained in air at -100F and in an ultra-high vacuum from 0F to 1500F with a radial load of 2500 pounds. Conclusions and recommendations for further investigations are presented. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0606282
Entities
People
- F. Schenk
- J. W. Van Wyk
Organizations
- Boeing