Feasibility study of vapor-mist phase reaction lubrication using a thioether liquid

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Feasibility study of vapor-mist phase reaction lubrication using a thioether liquid

Morales, Wilfredo / Handschuh, Robert F. / Krantz, Timothy L.

Aerospace drive systems are required to survive a loss-oflubrication test for qualification. In many cases emergency lubrication systems need to be designed and utilized to permit the drive system to pass this difficult requirement. The weight of emergency systems can adversely affect the mission capabilities of the aircraft. The possibility to reduce the emergency system weight using vapor-mist phase lubrication (VMPL) technology has been considered by NASA and the Army Research Laboratory (ARL). Phosphate esters have been the lubricant ofchoice in most VMPL studies primarily because they do provide adequate lubrication for short periods of time. However, during the lubrication process, the phosphate esters react continuously with the surface iron in gears and bearings, resulting in excessive wear. To minimize this problem an alternative non-phosphate liquid, a thioether, was used to mist phase lubricate a spur gearbox rig operating at 10,000 rpm under highly loaded conditions. After 21 million shaft revolutions of operation the gears exhibited only minor wear.