Design and analysis of a self-lubricating nuclear joint bearing above 320°C

Purpose The purpose of this study was to solve the problem of most woven-fabric self-lubricating bearings that find it difficult to function at temperatures above 320°C, by designing a new type of new nuclear joint bearing. The results of this study will help designers to achieve accurate stress distribution, displacement deformation, fatigue life and damage of bearings. All of these can be a guide for designing self-lubricating joint bearings. Design/methodology/approach Finite element analysis is undertaken to simulate the new design bearings. To get the most appropriate and accurate results, the room temperature simulation (Simulation A), the modulus of elasticity that changes with temperature (Simulation B) and the thermal-structure-coupled simulation (Simulation C) are compared. The fatigue simulation is conducted to verify whether the self-lubricating method is reasonable and whether the bearing can function for over 60 years in an enclosed environment. Findings Stress distribution and displacement deformation of joint bearing can be accurately achieved via the thermal-structure coupled simulation. Work life and damage results have been achieved via the fatigue analysis, and the suggested working loads can be calculated via safety factors. Originality/value The newly designed joint bearing in which the graphite is laid on the outside of the inner ring functions and self-lubricates at temperatures above 320°C.