In this study, based on the classical Archard adhesion wear theory, a three-dimensional finite element model was established, with the aim of simulating the failure process of self-lubricating spherical plain bearings in the swinging wear condition. The results show that the self-lubricating spherical plain bearings go through two different stages during the wear process, namely, initial wear stage and stable wear stage. Because the large contact points wear out during the initial wear stage, the maximum contact pressure decreases as the test period increases. The relatively larger wear depth region shows elliptical distribution, and the maximum distribution appears in the central contact area. The wear depth reaches 0.974 mm after swinging 25,000 times. PTFE fibers, which possess a good friction performance but poor abrasion resistance, abundantly exist on the friction surfaces of the fabric liner. Consequently, the friction torque during the initial wear stage is slightly smaller than the friction torque during the stable wear stage; however, the wear rate during the initial wear stage is high. The reliability and effectiveness of the finite element model are verified by experiment. The developed finite element model can be used for the analysis of the wear mechanisms of bearings and the prediction of the service life of bearings.
The formation of intragranular microstructure in Al2O3/ZrO2 and Si2N2O/Si3N4 nanocomposites was analyzed, and the effect of intragranular microstructure on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites was investigated. Results suggest 3 requisite conditions for the formation of intragranular microstructure and the role of intracrystalline glass phase and scar microstructure. In case of Al2O3/ZrO2, the intragranular microstructure leads to the formation of transgranular fracture, which in turn improves the mechanical properties via strengthening and toughening. On the other hand, in case of Si3N4/Si2N2O nanocomposites, intragranular microstructure reduces the possibility of bridging, pulling out, and crack deflection, thereby leading to the deterioration of strength and toughness. Based on these results, we can conclude that the formation of intragranular microstructure does not necessarily improve the mechanical properties in all kinds of materials. Rather, the effect of intragranular microstructure on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites is related to the strengthening and toughing mechanism of matrix materials.
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