Enhancing the lifetime of MoS2-lubricated ball bearings

Solid lubricated ball bearings can be a choice, if standard lubrication cannot be used, as for example because of surroundings like high temperature or vacuum. Law enforcements as well can be a reason for choosing such bearings. Although molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as one kind of solid lubrication for ball bearings has been known for 60 years, a universal valid lifetime prediction has not been developed yet. This paper presents an overview of the possible approaches to get an idea of the lifetime for such systems. Options to enhance the life by redesigning the cage are shown, among others by the use of mulitbody simulation. Furthermore first results of investigating the materials, coatings and the transfer of additional lubrication from the cage to the primary contact between rolling body and raceway are presented.