High-density, sputtered molybdenum disulfide films (MoS2) were investigated as lubricants for the next generation of spacecraft gimbal bearings where low torque signatures and long life are required. Low friction in a vacuum environment, virtually not outgassing, insensitivity to low temperature, and radiation resistance of these lubricant films are valued in such applications. One hundred and twenty five thousand hours of accumulated bearing test time are obtained on 24 pairs of flight-quality bearings ion-sputtered with three types of advanced MoS2 films. Life tests were conducted in a vacuum over a simulated duty cycle for a space payload gimbal. Optimum retainer an ball material composition were investigated. Comparisons were made with test bearings lubricated with liquid space lubricants. Self-lubricating PTFE retainers were required for long life, i.e., > 40 million gimbal cycles. Bearings with Polyimide retainers, silicon nitride ceramic balls, or steel balls sputtered with MoS2 film suffered early torque failure, irrespective of the type of race-sputtered MoS2 film. Failure generally resulted from excess film or retainer debris deposited in the ball track wich tended to jam the bearing. Both grease lubricated and better MoS2 film lubricated bearings produced long lives, although the torque with liquid lubricants was lower and less irregular.


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    Title :

    Evaluation of ion-sputtered molybdenum disulfide bearings for spacecraft gimbals


    Additional title:

    Eine Untersuchung über durch Ionensputtern aufgebrachte Molybdändisulfid-Beschichtungen bei Lagern für kardanische Gelenke in der Raumfahrt


    Contributors:
    Loewenthal, S.H. (author) / Chou, R.G. (author) / Hopple, G.B. (author) / Wenger, W.L. (author)

    Published in:

    Tribology Transactions ; 37 , 3 ; 505-515


    Publication date :

    1994


    Size :

    11 Seiten, 12 Bilder, 1 Tabelle, 14 Quellen




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




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    KATZ GENE I | European Patent Office | 2017

    Free access

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    Cochin, I. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1961



    Bellows joints, gimbals, and clamps

    Daniels, C. M. | NTRS | 1966


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    Christy, R. / Barnett, G. | Tema Archive | 1978