Influence of Mechanical, Thermal, Oxidative and Catalytic Processes on Thickener Structure and Thus on the Service Life of Rolling Bearings

Constant further developments in application technology with the aim of higher economic efficiency and power density place ever greater demands on mechanical components construction elements thus lubricating greases used. This is particularly true area roller bearings, which are sometimes used high stress wide temperature ranges. A current example rolling bearings assemblies hybrid vehicles, subjected to extreme thermal loads due engine downsizing, speeds radiant heat from combustion engine. Investigations at Competence Center Tribology Mannheim (KTM) show that grease service life for bearing lubrication, even temperatures, does not only depend classic oil aging. In numerous tests by means rheological measurements, it could be shown loss effect a consequence change thickener structure. Mechanical, thermal, oxidative catalytic processes play decisive role here. this article, scientific method presented first time as how these individual influencing factors can examined evaluated independent one another. For purpose, results an ongoing DGMK project evaluated.