Analysis of a Solid Lubricant Effects on the Tribological and Structured Behavior of a Spherical Self-Lubricating Aerospace Plain Bearing

The tribological behavior of self-lubricating spherical bearings in aerospace applications is crucial for ensuring reliability under dynamic loads. This study employs Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyze the interactions between contacting surfaces, focusing on pressure distribution, shear stress, heat flux, and elastic deformation. By simulating various operational conditions, including different rotational speeds and the use of solid lubricants like talc and graphite, the research evaluates their effectiveness in reducing friction and managing thermal effects. Findings reveal that rotational speed significantly influences tribological performance, with graphite outperforming talc in minimizing friction, heat generation, and wear at high speeds. While talc reduces friction, it induces higher shear stresses and elastic deformation, making graphite a more suitable lubricant for demanding aerospace applications. This, study contributing to enhanced performance and durability of self-lubricating bearings in critical aerospace.