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Pipette analysis and X-ray diffraction techniques were employed to characterize the particle size distribution and clay mineral content of the feldspar, calvert, ball, and jordan soils. In general, the ball, calvert, and jordan soils were primarily clay size particles composed of kaolinite and illite whereas the feldspar soil was primarily silt-size particles composed of quartz and feldspar minerals.
Rolling element fatigue studies were conducted with AISI M-50, EFR 18-4-1, and VAR 18-4-1. Groups of 12.7 mm (1/2-in) diameter balls of each material were tested in the five ball fatigue tester. Test conditions included a load of 1540 N (347 lbf) giving a maximum Hertz stress of 5520 MPa (800 000 psi), a shaft speed of 10,700 rpm, and a contact angle of 30 deg. Tests were run at a race temperature of 339 K (150 F) with a type 2 ester lubricant. The rolling element fatigue life of AISI M-50 was not significantly different from that of EFR 18-4-1 or VAR 18-4-1 based on a statistical comparison of the test results.
Ball bearings for hostile environments were developed. They consist of normal ball bearing steel parts of which the rings are coated with hard, wear-resistant, chemical vapor deposited (C.V.D) TiC. Experiments in ultrahigh vacuum, using cages of various materials with self-lubricating properties, have shown that such bearings are suitable for space applications.
A derotation prism was used to produce a stationary image of balls deflecting a portion of the separator. Ball to cage contact forces in a 110 mm bearing at speeds to 12,000 rpm were found to be 25 N (five lb) maximum. Inner race land contact force was found to vary up to 20 N (four lb).
In ball and socket joint where electrical insulator such as polytetrafluoroethylene is used as line to minimize friction, good electrical contact across joint may be needed for lightning protection or to prevent static-charge build-up. Electrical contact is maintained by ring of spring-loaded fingers mounted in socket. It may be useful in industry for cranes, trailers, and other applications requiring ball and socket joint.
Ball-and-socket joint originally developed for construction of large platforms in zero g could be used in such Earth-based temporary structures as scaffolding, camping equipment, tent posts, trade shows and displays. New joint consists of a socket mounted on central hub or union and ball-ended bolt or fitting mounted at end of a column or any structural member. Unit is self-contained, requires no loose hardware and is engaged or disengaged without tools manually, or remotely by a manipulator.
The utilization of rotary transformers as an alternative to slip rings for the power transfer from solar panels to a satellite's main body could be advantageous, especially if an ac bus system is taken into consideration. Different approaches with main emphasis on the electromagnetic design were investigated and showed efficiencies of up to 99% with a 3 kW power capability. A solidly preloaded pair of ball bearings with ceramic balls assures proper transformer air gaps and acceptable torque changes over temperature and temperature gradients. The bearing and power transfer assembly is driven by a direct drive stepper motor with inherent redundancy properties and needs no caging mechanism.
The fracture analysis conducted on four HPOTP (High Pressure Oxygen Turbopump) bearing balls from the SSME (Space Shuttle Main Engine) is described. Nondestructive evaluation, optical microscopy, and transmission microscopy techniques were used in the analysis. The cracks are initiated at or close to the ball surface under conditions of high cyclic stresses and high coefficient of friction. The cracks lead to spalls and subsequent crack propagation occurs by fatigue mode under concentrated loading of cyclic nature.
The paper reviews, from both a technical and historic perspective, the results of research conducted using the NASA Five-Ball Fatigue Tester. The test rig was conceived by W. J. Anderson in late 1958. The first data was generated in March 1959. Since then a total of approximately 500,000 test hours have been accumulated on a group of eight test rigs which are capable of running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Studies have been conducted to determine the effect on rolling-element fatigue life of contact angle, material hardness, chemistry, heat treatment, and processing, lubricant type and chemistry, elastohydrodynamic film thickness, deformation and wear, vacuum, and temperature as well as Hertzian and residual stresses. Correlation was established between the results obtained using the five-ball tester and those obtained with full-scale rolling-element bearings.
Joint is strong in shear and tension. When release tool is inserted into sleeve of joint, locking balls engage sleeve and allow it to be pulled upward compressing spring and releasing collet fingers. When sleeve is released, spring forces sleeve and collet fingers over ball on fixed part of joint.
Predicted bearing heat generation and bearing temperature were verified by experimental data for ball bearings over a range of sizes, shaft speeds, and lubricant flow rates. The computer program Shaberth requires, as input, a factor which describes the air-oil mixture in the bearing cavity for calculation of the ball drag contribution to bearing heat generation. An equation for this lubricant percent volume in the bearing cavity was derived and appears to be valid over the range of test conditions including bearing bore sizes from 35 to 167 mm and shaft speeds from 1.0 to 3.0 million DN.
The independent variables used in most calculations for EHL film thickness in ball bearings involve lubricant properties, contact elasticity, load, and bearing kinematics. The calculations are for steady state, and they give a time-constant film thickness. Experiments have shown four distinct processes in starved ball bearings which are explainable assuming a time-varying film thickness. This contribution describes these four processes as well as another transient EHL effect which does not involve the thickness of the film. A simple model, based on experimental considerations, allows direct calculation of several of the thickness transients.
An analysis of a spacecraft instrument ball bearing assembly, subjected to a scanning life test, was performed to determine the possible case of rotational problems involving these units aboard several satellites. The analysis indicated an ineffective transfer of a fluorinated liquid lubricant from a phenolic retainer to the bearing balls. Part of the analysis led to a novel HPLC separation method employing a fluorinated mobile phase in conjunction with silica based size exclusion columns.
What happens if a stainless steel ball hits a water ball in the weightless space of the Universe? In other words, it was the objective of our experiments in the Space to observe the surface tension of liquid by means of making a solid collide with a liquid. Place a small volume of water between 2 glass sheets to make a thin water membrane: the 2 ass sheets cannot be separated unless an enormous force is applied. Also, fill a cup with water to the brim, place a sheet of paper on top of it, and turn the cup upside down gently: the water inside the cup does not spill out. It is obvious from these phenomena that the surface tension of water is far greater than presumed. On the earth, however, it is impossible in most cases to observe only the surface tension of liquid, because gravity always acts on the surface tension
A statistical study of the ball milling of Si3N4 powder in Si3N4 hardware was undertaken to understand how the resulting increase in specific surface area is related to solids loading and mill speed. An attempt was made to optimize milling conditions. The degree of communication was more dependent upon solids loading than mill speed. A practical grinding limit between 0.5 and 0.75 microns was achieved in 144 hr independent of solids loading. Ball mill wear and media wear were independent of both solids loading and mill speed.
Perfluoroalkylpolyether lubricants performed best. Final report in series presents results of program of long-term testing of ballbearing greases in vacuum, oxidizing, and otherwise hostile environments. Earlier reports in same series described in "Tests of 38 Ball-Bearing Greases," (MFS-25624) and "Further Tests of 38 Ball-Bearing Greases." (MFS-27043)
Deflectometer probe monitors deflection of ball-bearing race in liquid oxygen with aid of small window or diaphragm. Diaphragm or window isolates optical deflectometer from liquid oxygen or other fluid in ball bearing. At high pressures, diaphragm integral part of housing preferable to window, since there would be no leakage.
Proposed supports for ball bearings press outer races against balls without radial clearance. Diaphragm-like axially flexible springs eliminate deadband and consequent nonlinear radial vibrational response of rotor. If shaft needs two bearings at each end, they are supported independently or connected in series by U-spring. Mechanical stops limit axial travel of shaft.