Experimental model for studying the tension in contact area of ceramic bearings.(Report)

1. INTRODUCTION

As a result of recent technological progress, the environments and conditions under which rolling bearings (hereafter referred to as bearings) are used and becoming severe and diverse (Takebayashi, 2001). As a result, many industrial customers want to get bearings that can be used in these special environments or under such severe conditions. The applicability of all types of ceramic materials for ceramic bearings for example of silicon nitride ([Si.sub.3][N.sub.4]), zirconium oxide (Zr[O.sub.2]), silicon carbide (SiC) and aluminium oxide ([Al.sub.2][O.sub.3]) was discussed in international references (Fujiwara et al, 2001).

This paper well focuses an alumina, which shows characteristics of being the most superior bearings material amongst various ceramic materials, and will present its basic performance for application to bearings. Specifically, such subjects as static load carrying capacity, rolling contact fatigue life, influence affecting the life of surface scratches and flaking will be discussed.

2. ALUMINIUM OXIDE MATERIALS (Al2O3)

2.1 Characteristics

Table 1 shows a comparison of the characteristic of aluminum oxide and high carbon chromium bearing steel.

…