Paper 2: Rolling Elements for Elevated Temperatures

Abstract

Elevated temperature is one of the hostile environments in which rolling bearings are expected to operate. The problems that have arisen, the requirements of materials and lubricants for the solution of these problems, together with the work undertaken to investigate them, are discussed. Accelerated service simulation tests have been carried out to assess materials and surface treatments for elevated temperature and unlubricated rolling contact applications and to compare their liability to deleterious lubricant effects. The role of solid film lubricants and surface treatments that lubricate has been explored. Microscopical and metallurgical investigations of failed specimens have been carried out to aid the study of failure mechanisms. The paper reviews the results of rolling four-ball tests carried out at N.E.L. with materials, surface treatments, and lubricants potentially suitable for elevated temperature rolling mechanisms and materials for unlubricated rolling contact.