scope:

ESDU 88018 provides a selection procedure for alloys for bearings operating in the hydrodynamic lubrication regime and only experiencing boundary lubrication at start-up or run-down or in unusual circumstances. The alloys treated are those used in industrial machinery (such as turbines, electric motors, marine gear boxes, rolling mills, gear pumps, hydraulic motors, low and medium speed diesels, and reciprocating compressors and pumps). The various alloys are identified and their available forms (for example, solid or thick- or thin-walled) are tabulated. A selection procedure identifies the alloy providing the best tribological properties while meeting the required loads at the expected working temperature. The chosen alloy is then further studied to ensure it meets the need to avoid bearing failure due to embedded particles, incompatibility with the counterface and hence wear, mechanical stress and fatigue, elevated temperature and corrosion.