A testing device for rolling-sliding behavior in harsh environments: the twin-disk cryotribometer

Understanding the mechanical behavior of angular contact ball bearing conta cts in extremely harsh environments has led to the development of specializ ed apparatus. This device simulates the rolling-sliding behavior of ellipti cal contacts where the dynamic and kinematic conditions are perfectly contr olled. Such a device facilitates several types of analyses: that of mechani cally induced surface damage, that of transfer film, that of characterizing surface treatments and surface coatings, and that of thermal phenomena at the contact. Moreover the testing device allows the experimental confirmati on of theoretical models developed for determining bearing lifetimes. First we shall describe the testing device end afterwards we shall present resul ts for each type of analysis mentioned above. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd . All rights reserved.