Weibull Distribution to Evaluate the Reliability of PEEK Thrust Bearings under Rolling Contact Fatigue in Water

Abstract

Bearings are important in moving machinery. Today machines are used in varied fields, including environments where metals are not ideal materials. Industrial polymers are a possible alternative due to their mechanical properties, and the thermoplastic polymer Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is suitable in many varied conditions. The failure mechanisms of PEEK are not fully understood, so the purpose of this study is to continue examining the relationship between load and rotation speed in rolling contact fatigue of PEEK thrust bearings in water conditions, to evaluate fatigue strength and life.