Tribological Prospects and Progress for NiTi Bearings for Aerospace Applications

Rolling element and sliding bearings made from dimensionally stable, nickel-rich NiTi alloys have been successfully manufactured, tested and applied in several different aerospace applications. In this presentation, the development history and material properties of NiTi alloys is reviewed and its behavior in sliding and rolling contacts is examined. Key material characteristics such as superelasticity and fracture toughness and their effects on bearing applications are considered. With proper application engineering, it is shown that NiTi bearings can resolve longstanding and persistent bearing problems related to heavy loads and operation in corrosive and debris contaminated environments.