SURFACE-ANALYSIS OF BOUNDARY-LUBRICATED SPHERICAL ROLLER THRUST-BEARINGS

Boundary-lubricated spherical roller thrust bearings have been experim entally studied. Quantitative depth profile analysis of boundary layer s by glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GD-OES), three-dime nsional surface topography measurements and friction measurements were performed. The results show that both the boundary layer and the wear of the contacting surfaces were affected in a statistically significa nt way by a change of the lubricating oil. Parameters for the characte risation of the boundary layer structure enrichment by tribochemically active chemical elements have been suggested. (C) 1998 Elsevier Scien ce S.A.