Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-hc48f Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-27T01:33:50.693Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

A Review of European Trends in Space Tribology and its Application to Spacecraft Mechanism Design

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

Robert A. Rowntree  and
Michael J. Todd
Robert A. Rowntree
Affiliation:
National Centre of Tribology, Northern Research Laboratories, UKAEA, Risley, Warrington, UK
Michael J. Todd
Affiliation:
National Centre of Tribology, Northern Research Laboratories, UKAEA, Risley, Warrington, UK
Get access

Abstract

The development of space tribology and its application in the design of spacecraft moving mechanical assemblies (MMA's) in Europe has followed a different course from that in the USA. This is probably because of the distinct preponderance of 3-axis stabilised space vehicles - used for communications and for earth observation over Europe - together with the preference for solid lubricants in such devices as solar array drives and some types of scanner and de-spin mechanism. The paper reviews the current status and discernible future trends in European space tribology. Examples of current MMA types are given where evolved lubricants and lubrication techniques have been applied.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 140: Symposium S – New Materials Approaches to Tribology: Theory and Applications , 1988 , 21
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1989

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Spengler, Get al, “Experiments on the frictional behaviour of solid lubricants in atmosphere & in high vacuum”. DFVLR Report No. DLR 721, 1968.Google Scholar
2. Harris, C L, “Vacuum evaluation of lubricants and techniques for space-exposed components”. ASLE-ASME Conf, 69-LUB-30, 1968.Google Scholar
3. Friend, G Cet al, “Development of new space lubricants”. Proc. 1st Eur. Space Trib. Symp, Frascati, ESA-SP-111, 1975, pp 25–38.Google Scholar
4. Parker, K, “Seven year TV real life test of a medium speed mechanism”. ESA(ESTL) Report No.66, 1987.Google Scholar
5. Sturtivant, G J, “BAe reaction wheels for OLYMPUS”. Proc. 1st Eur. Space Mech. & Trib. Symp., Neuchatel, ESA-SP-196, 1983.Google Scholar
6. Auer, W, “Design and lubrication of ball bearing units for flywheels”. Proc. Ist Eur. Space Trib. Symp, Frascati, ESA-SP-111, 1975, pp 339–346.Google Scholar
7. Fomblin Z, Perfluoropolyethers. Montedison brochure, 1985.Google Scholar
8. Perfluoropolyethers, Fomblin Y. Montedison brochure, 1985.Google Scholar
9. Fluids, Tyreno. Tyreno Chemie GmbH brochure.Google Scholar
10. Stevens, K T, “The performance of Fomblin Z25 oil in ball bearings operating in vacuum”. ESA(ESTL) Report No.56, 1983.Google Scholar
11. Baxter, B H, “The use of perfluoroether fluids In unprotected space environments”. Proc. 19th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium, NASA Conf. Publ. 2371, 1985, pp 179–207.Google Scholar
12. Carre, D J & Markowitz, J A, “The reaction of perfluoropolyalkylether oil with FeF3, AlF3 and AlCl3 at elevated temperatures”. ASLE Trans., 28(1), pp 40–46.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
13. Carre, D J “The performance of PFPE oils under boundary lubrication conditions” STLE/ASME Tribology Trans. 31, 4, 1987 Google Scholar
14. Parker, K & Watters, R, 1987, NCT(ESTL) Technical Memorandum 087Google Scholar
15. Atlee, Z J, Wilson, J T & Filmer, J C, “Lubrication in vacuum by vapourised thin metallic films”. J. Appl. Phys, 11, 1940, p 661.Google Scholar
16. Harris, C L & Warwick, M G, “Lubrication of bearings & gears for operation in a space environment”. Proc. I. Mech. E., Vol 183, Part 31, 1969.Google Scholar
17. Todd, M J, “Lead-film lubrication in air and vacuum”. Proc 1st Eur. Space Trib. Symp., Frascati, ESA–SP-111, 1975, pp 225–238.Google Scholar
18. McFarlane, A A & Todd, M J, “Examination of life-tested bearings from MSDS”. Appendix to: P J O'Donnell, “Lubrication of bearings in vacuum”, ESA CR-830, 1977.Google Scholar
19. Todd, M J & Robbins, E J, “Ion-plated lead as a film lubricant for bearings in vacuum”. ESA TRIB/1, 1980, pp 1–13.Google Scholar
20. Halling, J, “The rolling resistance of surfaces covered by soft metal films”. Proc. I Mech E, 199, 1985.Google Scholar
21. Dalley, K R & Warwick, M G, “Final report on the research programme into the lubrication of bearings and slip-rings in vacuum”. ESTEC Contract No: 763/69 & 1852/73, Marconi Space and Defence Systems Ltd, 1978.Google Scholar
22. Thomas, A at al, “Current status of lead lubrication of ball bearings”. Proc. 2nd Space Trib. Workshop, ESA-SP-158, 1980.Google Scholar
23. Gass, Het al, “Bearings for extreme environments”. Proc. 1st Eur. Space Trib. Symp., ESA-SP-111, 1975, pp 281–292.Google Scholar
24. Lansdown, A R, “Molybdenum disulphide lubrication”. ESRO CR-402 (1974) to ESA CR-84/549 (1984).Google Scholar
25. Thomas, A, “The friction and wear properties of some proprietary molybdenum disulphide spray lubricants in sliding contact with steel”. ESA(ESTL) Report No.50, 1982.Google Scholar
26. Roberts, E W, “Towards an optimised sputtered MoS2 lubricant”. Proc. 20th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium, NASA Conf. Publ. 2423, 1986, p 103.Google Scholar
27. Roberts, E W, “The tribology of magnetron sputtered molybdenum disulphide”. Proc. Intl. Tribology Conf., London, 1987, pp 503–510.Google Scholar
28. Buck, V, “A neglected parameter (water contamination) in sputtering of 34 MoS2 films”. Thin Solid Films, Vol 139, 1986, p 157.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
29. Roberts, E W, “The lubricating properties of magnetron sputtered MoS2”. ESA(ESTL) Report No.76, 1987.Google Scholar
30. Price, W Pet al, “A surface chemical examination of sputter-deposited MoS2 films” NCT (ESTL) report (to be published).Google Scholar
31. Chevallier, Jet al, “Enhancement of sliding life of MoS2 films by combining sputtering and high energy ion implantation”. Appl. Phys. Let., Vol 48(31), 1986, p 876.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
32. Kobs, Ket al, “Improved tribological properties of sputtered MoSx films by ion beam mixing”. Materials Sci & Eng., Vol 90, 1987, p 281.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
33. Boving, Het al, “Ball bearings with CVD-TiC coated components”. Proc. 3rd Eur. Space Mech.& Trib. Symp., Madrid, ESA-SP-279, 1987, pp 155–159.Google Scholar
34. Roberts, E W & Price, W B, “The ln-vacuo tribological properties of 'high-rate' sputtered MoS2 applied to metal and ceramic surfaces”. Materials Research Society, Symposium S Fall Meeting 1988.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
35. Patin, J Fet al., “The use of MoSz applied by PVD on space mechanisms”. 2nd Eur. Space Mech. & Trib. Symp., Meersburg, ESA-SP-231, 1985.Google Scholar
36. Patin, J Fet al, “The SPOT solar array box opening mechanisms PVD MoS2 lubricated slides”. 3rd Eur. Space Mech. & Trib. Symp., ESA-SP-279, 1987.Google Scholar
37. Roberts, E W, “Sliding electrical contacts in space: observations on existing technology and new trends in low-speed applications”. Proc. 1st Eur. Space Mech. & Trib. Symp., Neuchatel, ESA-SP-196, 1983, pp 3–10.Google Scholar
38. Gardos, M, “Self lubricating composites for extreme environmental applications”. Trib. International, Vol 15(5), 1982, pp 273–284.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
39. Stevens, K T and Todd, M J, “Parametric study of solid-lubricant composites as ball bearing cages”. Trib Int., Vol 15(5), 1982, pp 293–302.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
40. Petitjean, L & Borrien, A, “Definition et essais d'engrenages dans le domaine de la robotique spatiale”. Proc. 2nd Eur. Space Mech. & Trib. Symp., Neersburg, ESA-SP-231, 1985, pp 149–154.Google Scholar
41. Niederhauser, Pet al, “Moisture-resistant MoS2 based composite lubricant films” Thin Solid films, 108, 1983 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
42. Sturtivant, G J, “BAe reaction wheels for OLYMPUS”. Proc. 1st Eur. Space Mech. & Trib. Symp., Neuchatel, ESA-SP-196, 1983, pp 187–192.Google Scholar
43. Sturtivant, G J, “Results of a 10 Nms reaction wheel test programme, including tests on a nylon pore lubrication system”. Proc. 2nd Eur. Space Mech. & Trib. Symp., ESA-SP-231, 1985, pp 273–279.Google Scholar
44. Anderson, J C, “Thermal vacuum qualification and accelerated life tests of a Dornier Systems APM”. ESA(ESTL)048, 1980.Google Scholar
45. Schulz, H H, “Hemispherical pointing mechanism drive unit”. Proc. 3rd Eur. Space Mech. & Trib. Symp., EESA-SP-279, 1987, pp 11–14.Google Scholar
46. Lovett, P J, “Development and qualification of OLYMPUS antennae pointing mechanism”. Proc. 3rd Eur. Space Mech. & Trib. Symp., Madrid, ESA-SP-279, 1987, pp 273–280.Google Scholar
47. Brunnen, A J D & Bentall, R H, “Development of a high stability pointing mechanism for wide application”. 16th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium, NASA -CP-2221, 1982.Google Scholar
48. Rowntree, R A, “The stiffness, torque and thermal conductance of thin-section four-point-contact ball bearings for use in space mechanisms”. 1st Eur. Space Mech. & Trib. Symp., Neuchatel, ESA-SP-196, 1983.Google Scholar
49. Felici, F, “The GIOTTO mechanisms & their functions”. 1st Eur. Space Mech. & Trib. Symp., ESA-SP-196, 1983.Google Scholar
50. Todd, M J and Parker, K, “GIOTTO's antenna de-spin mechanism: its lubrication and TV performance” 21st Aero. Mech. Symp. NASA CP 2470 1987 Google Scholar
51. Henderson, I D, “Historical development of solar array drive mechanisms by British Aerospace”. 2nd Eur. Space Mech.& Trib. Symp., Meersburg, ESA SP-231, 1985, pp 19–24.Google Scholar
52. Pochard, N & Wallis, G, “High lifetime mechanisms implemented in infra-red horizon scanning sensors” 3rd Eur. Space Nech. & Trib. Symp., ESA-SP-279, 1987.Google Scholar