Tribological Relationship for Sintered Bearing Using Taguchi Technique

2. Experimental Set-Up And Procedure

The experiments were carried on a specially designed “Dry bearing test rig” (fig. 1) having shaft size 50 mm diameter. Test bearing is directly mounted on the shaft experiencing direct loading under a wide range of speed. Friction force is measured by an arm sensor suitably located in the frame. Wear is measured by off-line method. After running the samples for required duration on dry bearing test rig, wear is observed as dimensional changes of internal diameter of specimen and measured on coordinate measuring machine. Dimensional changes of bore are measured before and after experiment with samples and average wear are estimated. The test rig has got a control panel properly interfaced with the PC for data logging of process parameters. The test rig is powered by 5 HP, 3500 rpm, swinging field type. Counter face material is made up of case hardened steel, Rc-65 and surface roughness of 0.45 μm (CLA).

Figure 1.

Photographic view of Dry bearing test rig

3. Material

The material used in the study is ferrous sintered bearing having density 6.3-6.4 g/cm³. Chemical composition constitutes 99% Fe, 0.8% Cu and rest as impurities. Compaction pressure range from 500 to 800 MPa and curing temperature from 800ºC to 1100ºC. Dimension of the bearing specimen was ID-50mm, OD-70mm and length 60mm.