Analysis of the PM Bearing – Spindle Contact Using Finite Element Method

Abstract

Using PM (Powder Metallurgy) technologies, new antifriction materials based on iron-copper powders with different addition elements were developed. The elemental powder mixtures were compacted at different pressures and sintered in a dry hydrogen atmosphere at different temperatures. The tribological features of the selected iron-copper based material have been studied using an experimental device for wear testing of the sliding bearings. The friction coefficient and the wear resistance have been analyzed in dry friction conditions. Considering the PM iron based bearing bush isolated from the spindle and loaded with variable friction forces a dynamic study was performed using the finite element method. The equivalent Von Mises stresses distribution and the elastic deformations’ distribution were determined.