Affiliation:
1. Materials Group, National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbride, Glasgow.
Abstract
Using a simple laboratory test rig, the effects of different lubricants on elevated-temperature rolling elements have been investigated. The lives of various materials have been compared when lubricated with currently used elevated-temperature lubricants such as diesters and silicones and potentially suitable lubricants such as polyphenyl ethers. Rolling contact fatigue lives with different polyphenyl ether type lubricants have been assessed, and the effect of composition and purity of the lubricant on the wear experienced has been investigated. The nature of the lubricant has a dominant effect on the incidence of failure in rolling contact, and the deleterious effects of different lubricants vary with different materials. Examination of failed steel specimens revealed the influence of the lubricant on surface changes caused by rolling action, and afforded some insight into the mechanisms of failure.