• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.267-273
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• 2019

Wheel bearings are important automotive parts that bear the vehicle weight and translate rotation motion; in addition, their seals are components that prevent grease leakage and foreign material from entering from the outside of the bearings. Recently, as the need for electric vehicles and eco-friendly vehicles has been emerging, the reduction in fuel consumption and $CO_2$ emissions are becoming the most important issues for automobile manufacturers. In the case of wheel bearings, seals are a key part of drag torque. In this study, we investigate the prediction of the drag torque taking into consideration the hyperelastic and viscoelastic material properties of automotive wheel bearing seals. Numerical analysis based on the finite element method is conducted for the deformation analyses of the seals. To improve the reliability of the rubber seal analysis, three types of rubber material properties are considered, and analysis is conducted using the hyperelastic material properties. Viscoelastic material property tests are also conducted. Deformation analysis considering the hyperelastic and viscoelastic material properties is performed, and the effects of the viscoelastic material properties are compared with the results obtained by the consideration of the hyperelastic material properties. As a result of these analyses, the drag torque is 0.29 Nm when the hyperelastic characteristics are taken into account, and the drag torque is 0.27 Nm when both the hyperelastic and viscoelastic characteristics are taken into account. Therefore, it is determined that the analysis considering both hyperelastic and viscoelastic characteristics must be performed because of its reliability in predicting the drag torque of the rubber seals.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.123-131
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• 2019

This study characterizes the coastdown performances of two small electric motors supported on high-speed ball bearings (BBs) and gas foil bearings (GFBs), and it predicts their acceleration performances. The two motors have identical permanent magnetic rotors and mating stators. However, the shaft of the GFBs has a larger mass and polar/transverse moments of inertia than that of the BBs. Motor coastdown tests demonstrate that the rotor speed decreases linearly with the BBs and nonlinearly with the GFBs. A simple model for the BBs predicts a constant drag torque and linear decay of speed with time. The test data validate the model predictions. For the GFBs, the hydrodynamic lubrication model predictions reveal that the drag torque increases linearly with speed, and the speed decreases exponentially with time. The predictions agree very well with the test data in the speed range of 100-30 krpm. The boundary lubrication model predicts a constant drag torque and linear decay of speed with time. The predictions agree well with the test data below 15 krpm. Mixed lubrication occurs in the speed range of 30-15 krpm. Rotor acceleration performances are predicted based on the characteristics of deceleration performances. The GFBs require more time to reach 100,000 krpm than the BBs because of their larger shaft polar moment of inertia. However, predictions for the assumed identical polar moment of inertia reveal that the GFBs have a nearly identical acceleration performance to that of the BBs with a motor torque greater than $0.03N{\cdot}m$.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.114-122
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• 2019

High-speed rotating machinery requires low cost and reliable bearing elements with low friction, stable rotordynamic characteristics, and a simple design. This study experimentally evaluates the effects of bearing-support elements on the vibrational characteristics of a small-sized, high-speed permanent magnetic motor. A series of coast down tests from 100 krpm characterize the vibrational behaviors, rotor displacement, and housing acceleration of motors supported by ball bearings, ball bearings with a metal mesh damper, and gas foil bearings, respectively. Two eddy-current sensors installed in the horizontal and vertical directions measure the displacement of the rotor at its front nut, and a 3-axis accelerometer attached to the motor housing measures the housing acceleration. The test results reveal that synchronous (1X) vibration components most significantly affect the rotor displacement and housing acceleration, independent of the bearing-support elements. The motor supported by the deep-groove ball bearings results in the largest rotor vibrations increasing with speed; this is due to the absence of a damping mechanism. Additionally, the metal mesh damper effectively reduces the rotor displacement, housing acceleration, and sound-pressure level in the high-speed region (i.e., above 40 krpm), thus implying its substantial damping performance when installed on the outer race of the ball bearing. Lastly, the gas foil bearing supported motor yields the smallest rotor displacement, housing acceleration, and lowest sound-pressure level because of its hydrodynamic airborne operation, which does not require rolling elements that may cause mechanical friction and vibrations.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.83-90
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• 2021

In this study, an ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM) was used to improve the mechanical properties, scratch resistance and tribological performance of Cu-based bimetals, which are usually used to manufacture sliding bearings and bushings for internal combustion engines (ICEs). Two different Cu-based bimetals, namely CuPb10Sn10 and CuSn10Bi7, were sintered onto a low carbon steel substrate. The mechanical properties and dry tribological performance using a tensile tester and micro-tribo tester were evaluated, respectively. The scratch resistance was assessed using a micro-scratch tester at an incremental load. The tensile test results showed that the yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of both Cu-based bimetals increased after UNSM. Furthermore, the scratch and tribological tests results revealed that the scratch resistance and tribological performance of both Cu-based bimetals were improved by the application of UNSM. These improvements were mainly attributed to the eliminated pores, increased hardness and reduced roughness after UNSM. CuSn10Bi7 demonstrated better mechanical properties, scratch resistance and tribological performance than CuPb10Sn10. It was found that the presence of Bi in CuSn10Bi7 formed a Cu₁₁Bi₇ intermetallic phase, which is harder than Cu₃Sn. Hence, CuSn10Bi7 demonstrated higher strength and wear resistance than CuPb10Sn10. In addition, a CuSn10Bi7 formed both SnO₂ and Bi₂O₃ that prevented adhesion and improved the tribological performance. It can be expected that under dry tribological conditions, ICEs can utilize UNSM bearings and bushings made of CuSn10Bi7 instead of CuPb10Sn10 under oil-lubricated conditions.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.162-169
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• 2022

Cobalt-chromium (CoCr)-based alloys have been used for wear applications because of their excellent mechanical properties and wear resistance. With growing concern over environmental problems, CoCr alloys are expected to be used for various tribological applications in degraded lubrication states. To expand the applicability of the materials, data should be accumulated across a broad spectrum of experimental parameters. In this work, the friction and wear characteristics of cobalt-chromium-tungsten (CoCrW) and cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloys are investigated experimentally. The tests are conducted using a pin-on-reciprocating-plate tribotester in dry lubrication. CoCrW and CoCrMo are used as pin and plate materials to investigate the effect of the counter material. The results show that the friction coefficients between CoCrW and CoCrMo generally range from 0.4 to 0.5. The friction coefficient between the CoCrW pin and plate is found to be slightly small. However, the total wear between the CoCrW pin and plate is found to be the largest. In contrast, the total wear between the CoCrW pin and plate is relatively small. Furthermore, CoCrW may cause a faster wear progression of CoCrMo, especially for the case in which CoCrMo is used as the pin material. The results of this work provide a better understanding of the tribological properties of CoCrW and CoCrMo alloys. In addition, this work provides a practical guideline for the use of CoCrW and CoCrMo from the tribological design viewpoint.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.136-142
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• 2022

This paper investigates the enhanced wear performance of a CrAl coated accident tolerant fuel (ATF) cladding. In the wake of the Fukushima accident, extensive research on ATF with respect to improving the oxidation resistance of cladding materials is ongoing. Since coated Zr claddings can be applied without major changes to the criteria for reactor core design, many researchers are studying coatings for claddings. To improve the quality of the CrAl coating layer, optimization of the manufacturing process is imperative. This study employs arc ion plating to obtain improved CrAl coated claddings using CrAl binary alloy targets through an improved coating method. Surface roughness and adhesion are improved, and droplets are reduced. Furthermore, the coated layer has a dense and fine microstructure. In scratch tests, all the tested CrAl coated claddings exhibit a superior resistance compared to the Zr cladding. In a fretting wear test, the wear volume of the CrAl coated claddings is smaller compared to the Zr cladding. Furthermore, the coated cladding manufactured through the improved process exhibits better wear resistance than other CrAl coated claddings. Based on these results, we suggest that fine microstructure is attributed to a mechanically and microstructurally robust CrAl coating layer, which enhances wear resistance.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.213-221
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• 2022

This paper presents performance measurements of pressure drop and leakage flow rate of test flat seals with asymmetric inclined grooves. This study aims to reveal the influence of groove shapes, often machined in radial film riding-face seals, in forming a hydrodynamic wedge on leakage performance. A test facility was developed, and test seals were manufactured to study the effects of the inlet pressure level, ratio of inlet to outlet pressure, seal groove length, and seal groove height on the steady-state pressure drop and leakage performance. A series of tests were conducted, and the test data were compared to the predictions from a simple and efficient mathematical model using a one-dimensional Reynolds equation. The test results revealed that an increase in the inlet pressure increased the pressure drop through the test seals. The leakage flow rate increased significantly as the inlet pressure and ratio of the inlet to outlet pressure increased. The groove shape also affects seal performance. An increase in the groove length and height resulted in an evident increase in the leakage flow rate. The simple model predictions underestimated the leakage flow rates but showed good agreement with the trend in the measurements for all test operating conditions and changes in the groove shape.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2023

Fluid pumps in chemical processes are typically driven by electric motors. Even if the motor is separated from the pump with seals, wear resulting from friction and misalignment can lead to leakage of chemical fluid, causing corrosion in the bearing supporting the motor, and, eventually, failure of the motor. It is thus a standard procedure to replace bearings at regular intervals. In this article, we propose 3D-printed plastic ball bearings for use as an alternative to commercial stainless-steel ball bearings. The plastic bearings are easy to manufacture, require less time to replace, and are chemically resistant. To validate the applicability of the plastic bearings, we first conducted chemical resistance tests. Bearings were immersed in 30 caustic acid and 30 nitric acid for 30 min and 24 h, respectively. The test results showed no corrosive damage to the bearings. A test rig was set up to compare the performance of the plastic bearings with that of the commercially equivalent deep-groove ball bearings. Loading test results showed that the plastic bearings performed as well as the commercial bearing in terms of vibration level and load-handling capability. Finally, a plastic bearing was subjected to a clean-in-place process for three months. It actually outperformed the commercial bearing in terms of chemical resistance. Thus, 3D-printed plastic bearings are a viable alternative to stainless-steel ball bearings.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.235-243
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• 2023

This paper presents the fabrication process of water-lubricated plastic bearings. Plastic bearings require good mechanical properties and tribological properties as well as elasticity and shock resistance, especially when lubricated in dirty water conditions. In this study, sleeve-type plastic bearings are produced by winding a prepreg sheet, which primary contains nitrile rubber (NBR)-modified epoxy, self-lubricating fillers, and various types of lattice-structured reinforcing fibers such as carbon, Aramid, and polyethylene terephthalate. A thermosetting epoxy is chemically modified with NBR to impart elasticity and low-friction characteristics in water conditions. Experimental investigations are conducted to examine the mechanical and tribological characteristics of the developed bearing materials, and the results are compared with the characteristics of a commercial plastic bearing (Thordon SXL), well known as a water-lubricated bearing. A Thordon bearing (mainly composed of polyurethane) exhibits an extremely low load-bearing capacity and is thus only suitable for medium loading (1~10MPa). The tribological characteristics of the test materials are evaluated through Falex block-on-ring (LFW-1) friction and wear tests. The results indicate that friction exhibited by the carbon-fiber-reinforced NBR-10wt.%-modified epoxy composite material, incorporated with the addition of 20wt.% UHMWPE and 6wt.% paraffin wax, is lower than that of the Thorden bearings, whereas its wear resistance surpass that of Thorden ones. Because of these features, the load carrying capacity of the fabricated composite (>10MPa) is higher than that of the Thorden bearings. These results confirm the applicability of water-lubricated plastic bearing materials developed in this study.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.256-261
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• 2023

This study is conducted to evaluate the durability of superhydrophobic surfaces, with a focus on two aspects: contact angle measurement and self-cleaning-performance analysis. Superhydrophobic copper and aluminum surfaces are fabricated using the immersion method and subjected to a rolling wear test, in which a 2 kg weight is placed on a rolling tester, under loaded conditions. To evaluate their durability, the contact angles of the specimens are measured for each cycle. In addition, the surface deformation of the specimens before and after the test is analyzed through SEM imaging and EDS mapping. The degradation of the self-cleaning performance is evaluated before and after the wear test. The results show that superhydrophobic aluminum is approximately 4.5 times more durable than superhydrophobic copper; the copper and aluminum specimens could endure 21,000 and 4,300 cycles of wear, respectively. The results of the self-cleaning test demonstrate that superhydrophobic aluminum is superior to superhydrophobic copper. After the wear test, the self-cleaning rates of the copper and aluminum specimens decrease to 72.7% and 83.4%, respectively. The relatively minor decrease in the self-cleaning rate of the aluminum specimen, despite the large number of wear cycles, confirms that the superhydrophobic aluminum specimen is more durable than its copper counterpart. This study is expected to aid in evaluating the durability of superhydrophobic surfaces in the future owing to the advantage of performing wear tests on superhydrophobic surfaces without damaging the surface coating.