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The Timken Company performed a detailed study involving topographical imagery and surface mapping. The primary purpose of the study was to develop a direct correlation between surface topography and component durability/life. Through these studies, an optimal surface finish was developed. A production environment was then formed to mass-produce components with this finish on a contact-to-contact component. The results of the study guide us to an increase in durability/life of the Timken product. The paper is divided into three sections. The first section describes the component itself and the testing procedures by which durability/life were determined. The second section describes the analytical work done at the Timken Research facility where topographical imagery and surface mapping were performed. At this time, topographical analysis of several surface finishes paved the way to create an optimal surface texture for increased durability/life.

Many lubrication environments in various equipment applications are inherently contaminated with debris and require mechanical components that are, as much as possible, resistant to the potential detrimental effects of debris particles. Many design engineers and lubricant specialists often overlook potential relationships between the various component failure modes, lubricant debris contamination level and the engineering solutions that are created to overcome them. Various methods for evaluating the effectiveness of debris resistant bearings have been proposed for development. Some of these methods have become standard methods within each bearing manufacturer's organization. Using an experimental method, performance evaluation results of tapered roller bearings in the areas of material fatigue will be discussed. The potential performance advantages will be placed in context of understanding the performance needs in the application.

The aspects of real engineering surfaces are discussed with regard to their three-dimensional nature. A review of potential uses of surface finish measurement methods is discussed for characterization of functional surfaces. Using an optical-based system and a set of specific measurement procedures, two functional surfaces with different roughness were analyzed to illustrate a typical surface topography evaluation. A simple sliding test was then utilized to show that a special finish produced by a proprietary finishing process can provide improved performance, as measured by wear differences, frictional properties and operating temperature of the system. A special surface treatment was then evaluated in conjunction with the special finish in order to enhance its functional load support. Simple sliding test results indicates a potential new engineered surface for improving tribological contact performance.

Various methods for evaluating the effectiveness of debris resistant bearings have been proposed for development. Once evaluation methods are well established to select bearings, the user is faced with assessing severity and detrimental effects of a specific application's lubricant contamination on bearing performance. Many analysis tools have been suggested for determining this impact, including particle analysis for size distribution, type of material and contamination level. A novel approach for determining severity of damage has been investigated which attempts to integrate these typical tools with actual damage to functional surfaces. It seeks to provide a practical approach and is appropriately labeled Debris Signature Analysis. Results of actual assessments will be discussed and the assessment method described.

The aspects of real engineering surfaces are discussed with regard to their three-dimensional nature. A review of potential uses of surface finish measurement methods are discussed for characterization of functional surfaces. The use of an optical-based system and measurement procedures are discussed as a means of differentiating surface roughness and its texture of functional surfaces by surface engineering parameters. Using an optical-based system and a set of specific measurement procedures, two functional surfaces with different roughness were analyzed to illustrate a typical surface topography evaluation. A simple sliding test is then utilized to show that a special finish produced by a proprietary finishing process can provide improved performance, as measured by wear differences, frictional properties and operating temperature of the system.

Debris resistant bearings are being promoted by various bearing manufacturers as a solution for many contaminated lubrication environments. The baseline for such claims is often unclear for the bearing user and leaves questions as to how the information relates to specific field applications. In order to determine the benefits, if any, of these new product offerings and to assess their effectiveness, a standard method of evaluation is needed. An approach to satisfying this need is described and typical results are provided for several commercially available bearing products.