Ceramic Bearing losses 1

[jontommom]

Does anyone know of a chart that describes Ceramic bearing losses (Friction vs. Torque/speed)? If there is not a chart how can this be calculated?

 

[volpegrigia]

I do not believe you can find tables that would provide you with the information you need. However, you can calculate the losses easily. Harris describes a good and reliable method in his book. Most bearing companies have software that can do this. If you have the formulae from Harris you can easily generate the program in Mathcad. This will allow you to model any bearing you need.

 

[LOrso]

I assume you mean rolling element bearings (balls or rollers made of Silicon Nitride or some similar ceramic). If so the losses would be closely approximated by the same size bearings in a normal metal - M50, 52100, 440C, whatever. Most of the losses are tied up in windage, drag, etc, much more a function of the lubricant than the material itself (they're all very hard and elastic).

If you mean ceramic bushings of some kind, I don't know what to tell you.