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Evaluation of an In-Situ Liquid Lubrication System for Space Mechanisms Using a Vacuum Spiral Orbit Tribometer

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Abstract

Many moving mechanical assemblies (MMAs) for space applications rely on a small, initial charge of lubricant for the entire mission lifetime, often in excess of five years. In many cases, the premature failure of a lubricated component can result in mission failure. If lubricant could be re-supplied to the contact in-situ, the life of the MMA could be extended. A vacuum spiral orbit tribometer (SOT) was modified to accept a device to supply re-lubrication during testing. It was successfully demonstrated that a liquid lubricant (Pennzane®/Nye 2001A) could be evaporated into a contact during operation, lowering the friction coefficient and therefore extending the life of the system.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sest, Inc., Middleburg Hts., Ohio

    Mark J. Jansen

  2. NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio

    William R. Jones Jr. & Stephen V. Pepper

Authors
  1. Mark J. Jansen
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  2. William R. Jones Jr.
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  3. Stephen V. Pepper
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Jansen, M.J., Jones, W.R. & Pepper, S.V. Evaluation of an In-Situ Liquid Lubrication System for Space Mechanisms Using a Vacuum Spiral Orbit Tribometer. Tribology Letters 14, 61–67 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021791817718

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021791817718

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