Running-in Processes in Rolling Bearing
The influence of running-in processes and regeneration phases on the wear of rolling bearings
Motivation
The operation of rolling bearings in areas of mixed friction requires the use of anti-wear additives in the lubricant prior to wear. These additives form a tribological boundary layer on the material surface, which can completely prevent wear in the bearings. These wear protection layers either form during operation or can be built up in a targeted manner by running-in procedures. The layers form within a few minutes and immediately unfold their protective effect under suitable conditions. Removal of the layers does not occur even under very critical boundary friction loads, thus ensuring wear protection. Exact prediction of layer formation is only possible to a limited degree given the current state of knowledge
Research objectives
The objective of the project is to develop a running-in procedure to reduce wear in rolling bearings and thus to prolong their service life. This running-in procedure should assure the best possible wear protection for subsequent operating phases in as short a time as possible. The influence of regeneration phases should additionally be investigated. The tests are to be conducted in the FE8 rolling bearing lubricant tester in an application-oriented manner. The boundary layers present are to be investigated in terms of their chemical, physical and structural properties.
Correlations between running-in or operating parameters and layer formation with respect to structure, composition, and thickness are to be described. The trials are to be conducted using lubricants containing the additive ZDDP (zinc dialkyldithiophosphate), since this is frequently used.
Promoted by
The German Research Foundation as part of priority program 1551, "Resource-efficient Machine Elements".