The Performance of Perfluoropolyalkyethers Under Boundary Conditions

Abstract

Perfluoropolyalkylethers (PFPEs) are a relatively recent addition to the family of lubricants used in spacecraft applications. They have excellent properties but do not perform well under boundary lubrication conditions. This has been demonstrated in testing under continuous rolling and oscillatory motion. The PFPEs degrade under conditions in which reactive iron metal is exposed, leading to catalytic reactions. Improved performance can also be achieved through the prevention of metallic iron exposure by using ceramic hard- coated and solid ball-bearing components.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 15, 1991
Accession Number
ADA241080

Entities

People

  • D. J. Carre

Organizations

  • The Aerospace Corporation

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Additives (Chemicals)
  • Axial Loads
  • Ball Bearings
  • Bearings
  • Boundaries
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Classification
  • Degradation
  • Lubricants
  • Lubrication
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Materials
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Spectra
  • Spectrometry
  • Spectroscopy

Readers

  • Auditory Neuroscience/Auditory Physiology.
  • Metallurgy
  • Reinforced Composite Materials

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster