Does anyone have any experience with derating ball bearing life for running with aircraft Jet A type fuels as the only source of lubrication (flooded)?
Thanks
A general reflection is that an all-steel bearing probably will not work very well. There is no lubricating film and the metal/metal interface is known to be vulnerable and cannot support much load.
I would look into hybrid bearings with ceramic balls. They do avoid the metal/metal interface and should have a better chance of survival. A hybrid bearing can run dry for quite a time, which an all-steel bearing cannot.
If the loads are light, you may look into plastic bearings with either stainless or glass balls. If you had not mentioned "aircraft", I would have recommende our Cobra Solid Lubricant, which will run in a stream of solvents!
Russell Giuliano
Unique Technologies Associates - Cobra Solid Lubricant