The subject of tribology encompasses the friction, wear and lubrication of mechanical components such as bearings and gears. Tribological practices are aimed at ensuring that such components operate with high efficiency (low friction) and achieve long lives. On spacecraft mechanisms the route to achieving these goals brings its own unique challenges. This review describes the problems posed by the space environment, the types of tribological component used on spacecraft and the approaches taken to their lubrication. It is shown that in many instances lubrication needs can be met by synthetic oils having exceedingly low volatilities, but that at temperature extremes the only means of reducing friction and wear is by solid lubrication. As the demands placed on space engineering increase, innovatory approaches will be needed to solve future tribological problems. The direction that future developments might take is anticipated and discussed.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Space tribology: its role in spacecraft mechanisms


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics ; 45 , 50 ; 503001/1-503001/17


    Publication date :

    2012


    Size :

    17 Seiten, 62 Quellen




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




    Tribology problems in future spacecraft

    Dufrane, K.F. / Kannel, J.W. | Tema Archive | 1988


    European space mechanisms and tribology symposium

    Vago, J. / European Space Agency | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2007


    Advanced tribology design tools for space mechanisms

    Roberts, E. W. / Lewis, S. D. / European Space Agency et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2001



    Space Tribology

    W. R. Jones / M. J. Jansen | NTIS | 2000