Wear modes active in angular contact ball bearings operating in liquid oxygen environment of the Space Shuttle turbopumps

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1993 · Lubrication Engineering; (United States)

OSTI ID:6293353

Chase, T J ^[1]

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1. NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL (United States)

Extensive experimental investigation has been carried out on used flight bearings of the high pressure oxidizer turbopumps (HPOTP) of the space shuttle main engine (SSME) in order to determine the dominant wear modes, their extent, and causes. The paper presents the methodology, various surface analysis techniques used, results, and discussion. The mode largely responsible for premature bearing wear has been identified as adhesive/shear peeling of the upper layers of bearing balls and rings. This mode relies upon the mechanisms of scale formation, breakdown, and removal, all of which are greatly enhanced by the heavy oxidation environment of the HPOTP. Major causes of the high wear rates appear to be lubrication and cooling, both inadequate for the imposed conditions of operation. Numerous illustrations and evidence are provided. 22 refs.

• OSTI ID: 6293353
• Journal Information: Lubrication Engineering; (United States), Vol. 49:4; ISSN 0024-7154
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
BALL BEARINGS
FAILURES
WEAR
ANGULAR DISTRIBUTION
DYNAMIC LOADS
OXYGEN
PUMP TURBINES
TEMPERATURE RANGE 0013-0065 K
BEARINGS
DISTRIBUTION
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
HYDRAULIC TURBINES
MACHINERY
NONMETALS
TEMPERATURE RANGE
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
420200* - Engineering- Facilities
Equipment
& Techniques
360103 - Metals & Alloys- Mechanical Properties