Experimental investigation identifies materials suitable for use in potassium lubricated turbo-generator journal bearing and shaft applications at high temperatures. Attention is given to nonrefractory metals and alloys, refractory metals and alloys, Fe-Ni-Co bonded carbides, refractory compounds, and refractory metal bonded carbides

Frank, R. G.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

August 1969
	 Brief 69-10252 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Study of High Temperature Bearing Materials 
An experimental investigation has identified mater-
ials suitable for use in potassium lubricated turbo-
generator journal bearing and shaft applications at 
temperatures from 400' to 1,600 0 F. Much of the in-
formation obtained during the program appeared 
useful to other high temperature bearing applications. 
From a compiled list of 100 materials, 14 candidates 
were selected for detailed evaluation singly and in 
combination. The candidates represented five broad 
classes of materials: Nonrefractory metals and alloys, 
refractory metals and alloys, Fe-Ni-Co bonded car-
bides, refractory compounds (oxides, carbides, 
borides), and refractory metal bonded carbides. 
Evaluation of the materials was based on the folldw-
ing experimental information: 
I) Friction and wear behavior in high vacuum (10 
torr; no lubrication). 
2) Friction and wear behavior under boundary 
lubrication with liquid potassium. 
3) Compatibility in potassium in Cb-lZr. 
4) Dimensional stability. 
5) Strength. 
6) Hardness. 
7) Wettability by potassium. 
Particular attention was given to the predicted 
chemical stability of the materials. Also, two separate 
service temperature regimes were established: above 
1000F and below 1000F. The higher temperature 
simplifies system design. The lower simplifies bearing
materials selection. 
The most appropriate materials for this service 
were: TiC + 10% Cb, commercial cobalt bonded 
carbides (e.g., carboloy 907 or equivalent material), 
a cold pressed and sintered alloy of tungsten and 
molybdenum. The first two groups of material were 
applicable above 1000F and the third applicable 
below 1000F. 
Notes: 
I. Additional documentation is available from: 
Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific 
and Technical Information 
Springfield, Virginia 22151 
Price $3.00 
Reference: TSP69-10252 
2. Technical questions may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Lewis Research Center 
21000 Brookpark Road 
Cleveland, Ohio 44135 
Reference: B69-10252 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: R. G. Frank of 
General Electric Company 
under contract to 
Lewis Research Center 
(LEW- 10829) 
Category 03 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National
	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States
	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
	 will be free from privately owned rights.
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Study of high temperature bearing materials

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