EVALUATION OF SYNTHETIC ELASTOMERS.

Abstract

The report covers a study of synthetic elastomers as candidate materials for use in an elastomeric bearing. Silicone and urethane elastomers were compared with natural rubber. The use of an elastomeric bearing in a helicopter rotor would require an elastomer with a stiffness approximately the same at all operating temperatures. The ratio of the -65F loads to the room temperature load, at the same amount of flexing, was found to be approximately 15 for natural rubber and ratios between 1.5 and 3.0 for the silicone elastomers. The urethane elastomers showed ratios greater than 15 and therefore are not recommended over natural rubber. Advantages that silicone elastomers possess over natural rubber include resistance to both ozone and diester-base helicopter lubricants, general retention of mechanical properties at temperature extremes and an unlimited storage life. One disadvantage of silicone elastomers is its low tear strength when compared to other elastomers. Overall, silicone elastomers show promise for application in elastomeric bearing. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 30, 1968
Accession Number
AD0691796

Entities

Organizations

  • Boeing Rotorcraft Systems

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Elastomers
  • Films
  • Helicopter Rotors
  • Helicopters
  • Materials
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Natural Rubber
  • Rubber
  • Stiffness
  • Urethanes

Readers

  • Polymer Science and Engineering.
  • Tribology (the study of the boundary interaction between sliding surfaces, lubrication, wear and friction).