Friction and Wear of Sliding Bearings

Bearings are usually provided where a specific spatial relationship (alignment) must be maintained between the parts or where a force is to be transmitted from one part to the other. This article introduces the general types and configuration of sliding bearings, bearing materials, and the practical aspects and solutions in the friction, lubrication, and wear mitigation of sliding bearings. The lubrication of bearings includes thick-film lubrication, thin-film lubrication, and boundary lubrication. The article concludes with a discussion on the effects of material elasticity on the lubrication of bearings.