Selection of Suitable Material for Journal Bearing by Tribology

Wear is an influencing parameter which reduces the overall life of a machine and its parts. The wear rate and coefficient of friction under the same conditions of speed, load, lubrication and time were calculated for a set of materials used as journal bearings. Since journal bearings are important in a variety of applications, a wise selection of material with a constant low wear rate and low coefficient of friction is essential. The four materials tested for this purpose include Molybdenum Disulphide (MoS2), Stainless Steel (SS 304), Nylon 66, INCONEL 625. The basic methodology for determining wear and friction of these materials involves the use of a pin-on-disc test apparatus. The materials taken for testing are made into a pin of diameter and length 8 mm and 25 mm respectively. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis and surface roughness measurements were carried out to study the properties. Hence, INCONEL 625 was found to be the ideal material for journal bearing applications due to its low wear rate, no fluctuation in wear rate, lower coefficient of friction and better mechanical properties compared to others.