Bearing and Lubricant Requirements for Some Aerospace Projects: Discussion and Preliminary Investigation

Some of the pressing bearing and lubrication problems which confront the aero-space industry today are illustrated. Specific requirements of bearings and lubricants for nuclear engine controls and a hot gas flight stabilization system are given. The results of a lubricant survey are discussed, and the preliminary test results obtained in a 600 deg F lubricant evaluation program are presented. A brief discussion of the merits and limitations of gas-lubricated bearings in extreme environments is included. The concluding remarks emphasize the need for increased bearing and lubricant research. (auth)