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A mechanism is proposed to account for the friction oxidation that occurs in steel bearings subjected to small amplitude oscillations. It was developed from analysis of data obtained from an apparatus used to rate the lubricity of greases. The heat generated in poorly lubricated bearings increases the rate at which iron oxide forms. The oxide builds up until it can no longer sustain the resulting load; then the oxide layer collapses, contributing abrasive particles that cause additional wear.
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F. Arezzo (1983) studied this question.
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