Effect of New Pocket Design on the Failure of Thrust UHMWPE Bearings in Dry Condition

Abstract

We developed a retainer with a new kind of design. This retainer has pockets with angles which we think could improve wear durability. We used ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) because it is a tough thermoplastic polymer with self-lubrication ability. We performed rolling contact fatigue tests and found that wear durability was improved compared with the standard bearings.