Lubrication of Ball Bearings for Space Applications

1 January 1963

journal article
research article
Published by Taylor & Francis in A S L E Transactions

Vol. 6 (3) , 178-191
https://doi.org/10.1080/05698196308972011

Abstract

The operation of equipment on satellites and space probes has placed new demands on lubricants. To evaluate lubricants for these uses, the authors have conducted a program of testing lubricants and instrument-size ball bearings in pressures of 10⁻⁷-10⁻⁹ torr. Four classes of lubricants have been tested. Bearings with the best oil and grease lubricants have operated for over 1 year. The most promising tests with special retainers have lasted from 3 to 6 months. Tests with dry-film lubricants have shown poor reproducibility and short lifetimes, e.g., the maximum was 3 months.

Keywords

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:

Friction, Wear, and Evaporation Rates of Various Materials in Vacuum to 10⁻⁷mm Hg
A S L E Transactions, 1962