Modification of Bushing Test Rig and Research of Variable Inlet Guide Vane Bushings For Further Development of PM304 Bushings

PS304 is a high temperature solid lubricant coating comprised of a nickel-chrome binder, chrome oxide hardener, barium-calcium fluoride high temperature lubricant, and silver as the low temperature lubricant. This coating is used to lubricate Oil-Free Foil Air Bearings as they experience friction and wear during start up and shut down. The coating deposition process begins with undercutting the shaft. This area is then sandblasted to provide a rough surface for the coating to adhere to. The coating powder is then sent through the plasma spray gun and a reasonably thick layer is applied to the undercut area of the shaft. The coating is then ground down even with the surface of the shaft and gets a nice polished finish. The foil air bearings use the solid lubricant, as mentioned above, during start up and shut down. During normal operating conditions, generally above 2000RPM, the bearings utilize air as their lubricant. Foil air bearings are comprised of a thin top foil and a corrugated bump foil. They have an interference fit with the shaft before operation. As the air gets "trapped" between the top foil and the shaft, it presses the top foil against the bump foil, in turn compressing the bumps. As the bumps compress, it allows for the air to separate the top foil from the shaft, therefore, utilizing the trapped air as its lubricant.