Silicon Nitride in Rolling Contact Bearings.
Abstract
The program (1) investigated silicon nitride material characteristics in relation to bearing performance and (2) endurance tested bearings containint silicon nitride components. Six hot-pressed silicon nitride compositional variations were prepared, characterized and evaluated in rolling contact fatigue (RCF). All ceramic fatigue lives equalled or exceeded the fatigue life of M-50 steel at the 325 pound load. A stress corrosion mechanism is used to explain the time dependent ceramic fatigue behavior and life differences are attributed to differences in slow crack growth rates. Ten precision, 60 mm bore, roller bearings, containing silicon nitride rollers, steel races and retainer, were designed, fabricated and endurance tested at a radial load of 5050 pounds and shaft speed of AFBMA calculated L(10) life of 21.6 hours for a similar all steel bearing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA015990
Entities
People
- H. Robert Baumgartner
- Paul E. Cowley