Surface Transport of Oil in the Presence of Nylasint and Micro-Well Reservoirs.
Abstract
Liquid lubricants are used in the majority of spacecraft moving-mechanical assemblies (MMA). Because of limited power, friction stemming from lubricant viscous drag must be minimized. In order to accommodate for this reduction, MMA's are typically coated with thin oil films 2 to 5 micrometers in thickness. For extended missions (>5 years), oil reservoirs (impregnated porous nylon blocks) are inserted in the MMA-bearing annulus to facilitate replenishment of lubricant lost by evaporation. In order to sustain acceptable performance, it is desirable to maintain film thickness levels and oil distribution such that neither flooding nor lubricant starvation occurs within a bearing cavity. This paper describes the results of a study of surface transport of oil in the presence of Nylasint and Micro-Well reservoirs. The transport was monitored by use of a fluorescence-photography technique and by visual observation. The effects of the following parameters were investigated: (1) the method of coating the substrate with oil, (2) the roughness of the surface, (3) the presence of vacuum, (4) the temperature of the reservoir, (5) the composition of the surface oil, and (6) the presence of lubed versus empty reservoirs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 19, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA028935
Entities
People
- Alfred A. Fote
- Robert A. Slade
- Seymour Feuerstein
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation