Other

Mark J Stimler

Oyelayo O Ajayi

Lavern D Wedeven

Aaron J Goodell

William F Black

Conventional liquid lubrication requires a compromise between high temperature properties for good lubrication and low temperature properties for pumpability. The major thrust of this invention is the preservation of the long life and reliable mechanism of elastohydrodynamic lubrication in the pursuit of elevated temperature lubrication. The mechanism of EHD lubrication is the primary source of lubrication for rolling element bearings, gears and other non-conforming contacting surfaces which must carry high loads over small areas of contact. The invention supplies the lubricant as a vapor which upon condensation provides an efficient replenishment of the inlet region to the elastohydrodynamic contact. The surfaces are encouraged to operate at elevated temperatures without cooling for reasons of efficiency. Broad temperature range EHD lubrication with perfluoroalkylpolyether fluids provide full EHD lubrication up to 500.degree. C. The enhanced temperature range, small fluid quantity and the supply of lubricant in a vapor environment eliminates the need for complex lubrication and cooling hardware. The vapor lubrication scheme when applied to a rolling element bearing provides lubrication to 500.degree. C. The invention provides high speed operation to 0.9 MDn (30,000 rpm with a 30 mm bore bearing) with the use of a driving air to overcome the internal windage generated by the high speed components.

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West Chester, PA, United States of America

Mark J Stimler