NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Wear modes active in angular contact ball bearings operating in liquid oxygen environment of the Space Shuttle turbopumpsExtensive 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.
Document ID
19930048978
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Chase, Thaddeus J.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: Lubrication Engineering
Volume: 49
Issue: 4
ISSN: 0024-7154
Subject Category
Mechanical Engineering
Accession Number
93A32975
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available