Influence of groove shape on rolling contact fatigue of PEEK-PTFE hybrid radial bearings in dry conditions

Abstract

In this study, rolling contact fatigue (RCF) tests were performed in order to investigate the effect of groove radius on the life of PEEK-PTFE hybrid radial bearings. Furthermore, solid state NMR spectroscopy was performed in order to investigate the molecular structure of PEEK. It was found that groove radius shape was related to limitations of the bearings, and the molecular structure of the PEEK was not changed by the temperature rise in this test. Furthermore, thermal failure of the PEEK was not affected by oxidation during RCF test.