Effects of Lubricant Borne Solid Debris in Rolling Surface Contacts

The role of particle morphology, hardness and toughness in the rolling surface fatigue and wear have been investigated using a thrust bearing in an accelerated laboratory bench lest. Ceramic, steel and metal powders of known physical properties with sizes of 10-20 micrometers were used as contaminants in a 3-cSt ester fluid. Initial results suggest that ceramic particles with high hardness but low toughness induce the most damage in metallic rolling contacts. Emphasis was placed on analysis of the functional relationships among the various parameters.