Wear characterization of self-lubricating bearings for aircraft flaps

Flap self-lubricating bearings play a vital role in ensuring the safety and stability of aircraft. However, research on the mechanisms of flap self-lubricating bearings under actual working conditions remains limited. This study investigates the behavior of flap self-lubricating bearings under flight loads, focusing on their operational mechanisms. Initially, an experiment is conducted using a self-lubricating bearing testing machine, subjecting the bearings to flight load conditions. After testing, the surfaces of the self-lubricating liners are examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). The microscopic morphology and mechanisms of the self-lubricating liners are analyzed based on the SEM and LSCM results, revealing the failure mechanisms of the bearings during operation. The findings indicate that the failure mechanism involves a combination of adhesive and abrasive wear. This research provides a theoretical basis for the optimized design and data modeling of flap self-lubricating bearings.