Nondestructive testing of sliding bearings

International Journal of Environmental & Agriculture Research (IJOEAR) ISSN:[2454-1850] [Vol-4, Issue-3, March- 2018]
Page | 59
Nondestructive testing of sliding bearings
S.V. Korotkevich1
, N.F.Solovey2
, A.S.Shantyko3
1
RUP “Gomelenergo”, Gomel, the Republic of Belarus.
2,3
NTCK JSC "Gomselmash", Gomel, the Republic of Belarus.
Abstract— A validation of electro-physical probing method usage is given for a sliding bearings diagnostic at a boundary
friction. Electric circuits and a way of sliding bearings diagnostic, where an analysis of a boundary lubricating layer (BLL)
thickness control is carried out on contact resistance parameters indirectly. A sliding bearing lubricating state is defined on
previously installed threshold values which achievement defines its running regime.
Keywords— boundary lubrication layer, contact resistance, diagnostic, criteria, phenomenological model.
I. INTRODUCTION
A diagnosing task of a boundary lubricating sliding bearing mode, containing a shaft and an insert, in the internal-
combustion engine (ICE), for example, of all-purpose power unit (APU) at its loading under operating conditions is actual.
As a result of forced operations ICE increasing in operation modes, increased requirements are laying claim to engine oils
operational properties, therefore creation of the way, allowing to control the state and properties of a boundary lubricating
layer (BLL), is rather necessary and actual [1].
The service load and high-speed ICE parameters increasing especially in a high-forced mode (GOST 17479.1-2015) are
laying increased requirements to nanometer lubricating layers thickness, i.e. to boundary lubricating layers (BLL). BLL state
is a complex value defined by its structural changes and causing many measured tribotechnical parameters (strength,
antifrictional, antiscuff, thermo-oxidative stability etc.) which are defined operational properties of lubricating material (LM)
in aggregate.
In connection with a degradation of producing LM a problem of their quality assessment is actual. Moreover, before
machinery producers is a nagging problem of import on domestic oils replacement with an optimum combination price and
quality. On-stream, LM quality analysis is carry out on 15 physical and chemical parameters (GOST 8581-78), basic of
which are kinematic viscosity, flash and chilling temperature, a mass fraction of water and mechanical impurities, alkali
neutralization number, sulfonate ash content etc. Operational LM properties complex estimation is carried out at benchmark
test on driving axles, different installations and internal-combustion engines and also field test [2]. Usually a LM user is
interesting in its quality, but not a viscosity class and operational properties which define necessary, but not sufficient service
oil conditions in specific installation. Under sufficient conditions we understand not that it is declared in the certificate at LM
production, but those real LM characteristics, which define a sliding bearing state at specific load and speed service modes,
especially during the moment of ICE start and stop or the forced acceleration in real time.
The work purpose is an estimation of operational properties and thermooxidative oil stability for its replacement age
definition, and sliding bearing diagnostic on a boundary lubricating layer state to raise control reliability and its operation
modes management in real time.
The method based on registration of a point contact conductivity parameters, was successfully applied by Bowden, Tabor [3],
W. H. Abbot [4, 5], M. Antler [6, 7], J. F. Archard [8] for frictional behavior of "dry" materials used in electric contacts to
research. Anti-wear properties of noble metals: platinum, gold, silver and their alloys were studied generally. It is installed,
that in the absence of lubricants and comparatively low contact pressures the electric current passing promotes wear rising,
acceleration of adsorbed films formation and chemical reactions passage on a surface. The results gained by them had
qualitative character in the main, without a quantitative estimation of thickness and boundary lubrication continuity.
II. EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUE
In the general case conductivity through the molecular scale contact gap can be carried out by means of tunnel effect,
thermionic and intrinsic conduction substance of an intermediate layer. The contraction resistance theory and thermionic
conductivity are observed in this work [9]. The quantum-mechanical tunnel effect theory in metal-dielectric-metal system is
observed for the first time in Sommerfeld and Bethe works [10], concerning to idealized square potential barrier, and has
gained further development in the work [9].

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In the presence a continuous flash lubricating layer d of nanometric thickness in a contact zone, its specific conductance is
defined by tunnel conductivity generally [9, 10]:
 

 т
dh
е
22
2
specific exp (– 

m
h
d
2
4
) (1)
where e is an electron charge, m is an electron mass, h is a Planck constant, φ is an electron liberation work, d is an electrode
spacing.
Mathematical factors calculation in an expression (1), where d is measured in nms (nanometers), and the electron liberation
work in eV allows to simplify the expression (1) and to write down it in the form (2):
(2)
where φ is an effective electron liberation work, а is a contact point radius, d is lubricating layer thickness.
In the general case conductivity through the molecular scale contact gap can be carried out by means of tunnel effect,
thermionic and intrinsic conduction substance of an intermediate layer. The dependence conductivity analysis from
temperature has shown that at temperature tests to ≈ 300о
С thermionic and intrinsic conduction in a boundary lubrication
rate it is possible to neglect [11]. The experimental data analysis can be carried out, using the theory of tunnel conductivity
and the contraction theory, for a contour ground with an indissoluble lubricant layer which thickness is up to ≈ 3 nm [11].
R. Holm studied electric current passage processes in case of point and multiple contacts of conjugate objects. In a basis of
voltage drop measuring on a searched object, having unknown contact resistance Rc a 4-wiring circuit (figure 1) [9] has been
accepted.
E is a current source, R1 is calibrating resistance; R2 is a resistance box; Rc is contact resistance; V is a voltmeter; ADT is an
analog digital transducer; PC is a personal computer.
FIGURE 1. 4-WIRING CIRCUIT OF CONTACT RESISTANCE REGISTRATION.
Conjugate objects greasing point contact state analysis with using of all possible alternatives, given in the figure 1, namely:
metallic; mixed or cluster and sieve; indissoluble lubricant layer was carried out in the beginning. Each alternative has its
type, the electric conduction value accordingly and it is calculated on the basis of matching mathematical expressions [12]. It
is necessary to calculate an actual contact point radius for a quantitative estimation of BLL nanometer thickness. The contact
point radius is estimated on the basis of Hertz theory relationships for objects elastic (3) deformations; it is defined by
loading value, objects’ mechanical properties and their geometrical sizes [12]:
а=1.11(NR/E*)1/3
(3)
where N is a loading, r is conjugate objects effective radius; E* is an effective conjugate objects elastic modulus. At
calculation of BLL thickness it is necessary to consider also, that an effective electron liberation work  at BLL thickness
less than 1.5 nm is 2.025 eV, and at 2.0–3.0 nm is 1.8 eV [11, 12].
An effective elastic modulus E* and a radius R are calculated from correlations (4) and (5) [13].
1/E* = (1–ν1
2
) /E1 + (1–ν2
2
) /E2 (4)




 










 d/,
/a
d
Rt
212410exp
212
1410

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where Е1 and Е2 are elastic modulus, and ν1 and ν2 are both conjugate objects Poisson’s ratios. At contact of two spheres with
radiuses R1 and R2, an effective radius R, using for a calculation, is defined from correlation [13]:
21
111
RRR
 (5)
where R1 and R2 are conjugate objects radiuses, we take the sign plus (+) at convex objects contact, and the sign minus (-) at
the cylinder and the matching cylindrical cavity contact [13]. The roller width made ≈ 0.01 m. As a roller and a segment are
executed from one material, steel 45, and a ball from steel ШХ 15, we considered an effective module value equal to the
elastic steel modulus value (Е ≈ 2.6·1011
Pa). The calculated effective radius R for the circuit roller-sphere makes 3.45∙10-3
m.
Parameters calculation contact (table 1) data with a theory of Hertz correlation using are given in table 1 [14].
TABLE 1
CONTACT PARAMETERS CALCULATION FOR THE CIRCUIT DESIGN ROLLER-SEGMENT (/), ROLLER-PLANE (/)
AND ROLLER-SPHERE
N,
H
a *10-6
,
m
pср,
МPа
Rs,
mOm
Rок,
mOm
Rс,
mOm
20 155/ 15.7/ 71 6.5/ 64/ 1300 1/ 9.6/ 2.1 0.3/ 3.2/ 63 1.3/ 12.8/ 65
100 346/ 35/ 122 14.5/ 143/ 2100 0.4/ 4.3/ 1.2 0.1/ 1.4/ 21.4 0.5/ 5.7/ 22.6
200 490/ 49.5/ 154 20.4/ 202/ 2700 0.3/ 3/ 0.9 0.1/ 1/ 13.5 0.4/ 4/ 14.4
400 693/ 70/ 194 28.9/ 286/ 3400 0.2/ 2.1/ 0.8 0.07/ 0.7/ 8.5 0.7/ 2.8/ 9.3
600 849/ 85.7/ 222 35.3/ 350/ 3900 0.18/ 1.8/ 0.7 0.06/ 0.6/ 6.5 0.24/ 2.4/ 7.2
800 980/ 99/ 244 40.8/ 404/ 4300 0.15/ 1.5/ 0.6 0.05/ 0.5/ 5.4 0.20/ 2.0/ 6
1000 1100/ 111/ 263 45.7/ 452/ 4600 0.14/ 1.4/ 0.57 0.04/ 0.45/ 4.6 0.18/ 1.9/ 5.2
1200 1200/ 121/ 279 50.0/ 495/ 4900 0.13/ 1.2/ 0.54 0.04/ 0.04/ 4.1 0.17/ 1.2/ 4.6
1400 1300/ 131/ 294 54.0/ 535/ 5200 0.12/ 1.15/ 0.51 0.04/ 0.04/ 3.7 0.16/ 1.2/ 4.2
1600 1390/ 140/ 307 57.7/ 571/ 5400 0.11/ 1.1/ 0.49 0.04/ 0.04/ 3.4 0.15/ 1.1/ 3.9
1800 1470/ 149/ 319 61.2/ 606/ 5600 0.10/ 1/ 0.47 0.03/ 0.03/ 3.1 0.13/ 1.1/ 3.6
2000 1550/ 157/ 331 64.5/ 639/ 5800 0.10/ 1/ 0.45 0.03/ 0.03/ 2.9 0.13/ 1/ 3.4
* Notes. The real contact point radius (a), the actual average (pср) value, the contact contraction resistance (Rs), the oxide
film (Rок) and the recorded contact resistance (Rc) value. In each column row three figures are given through the slash.
The first figure matches for the circuit roller-segment, the second figure matches for the circuit roller-plane and the third
figure matches for the roller-sphere circuit.
Lubricated contact interfaces models are given in the figure 2.
OXIDIZED METAL

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FIGURE 2. LUBRICATED CONTACT INTERFACES MODELS
The passage from point to multiple contact at oils scoring resistance analysis of the various nature and functionality
(hydraulic, motor, transmission, geared) was carried out with the flow-chart using, given in the figure 3.
FIGURE 3. Flow chart device, where 1 is a backplate in a segment form; 2 is a mobile electrode in a roller
form; 3 are current electrodes; 4 are potential electrodes; 5 is a load node; 6 is a load cell; 7 is a
thermocouple; 8 is an inductive sensor for a friction torque measurement; 9 is spring-loaded copper-
graphite brush; 10 is a drive with a velocity sensor; 11 is an acoustic emission sensor; ADT is an analog
digital transducer; PC is a personal computer.
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
A recorded contact resistance value (Rс) at experiment execution is equal to the contraction resistance sum Rs and oxide film
Rок. Calculated resistance values are given in the table 1. It is necessary to note, that the average contact pressure codomain
changed within: 6.5 – 64.5 MPa – for the circuit roller-segment; 64 – 639 MPa – for the circuit roller-plane; 1.3 – 5.8 GPa –
for the circuit roller-sphere.
Recorded contact resistance decreasing in experiment to level values characteristic for contraction resistance (Rs), given in
the table 1, means BLL destruction on real contact points and presence of "dry" metal contact with a subsequent mating
surfaces of the roller and the segment gripping.
In works [15, 16] operating modes at a step radial loading rolling bearings depending on a lubrication condition and structure
of a steel surface are experimentally defined. It is shown, that the one cycle time period of a metal surface reinforcement and
destruction is in many aspects defined by high-speed loading conditions [17], physical and chemical lubricant nature [17]
and, as consequence, BLL tribological properties and structural changes kinetics accumulation [18-20]. The most typical

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sliding bearings and rolling bearings diagnostics difference is that at loading on the shaft increasing or in a turbine start and
stop period or the forced ICE power increasing a regime with an aggravation at which hydrodynamic, and then a boundary
lubricant layer destruction are accompanied by catastrophic jamming and the sliding bearing destruction with all
consequences can occur in result.
The calculation analysis dependence on tunnel resistance (Rt), and BLL nanometric thickness, and a real contact area shows,
that at loading increasing by two orders the actual contact area changes by one order, and the contribution from the BLL
thickness in calculated value Rt increases by ten orders [21]. The basic contribution in the tunnel resistance calculated value
is brought the BLL thickness, but not the real contact area, that allows estimating mechanical and frictional properties of
boundary lubricant layers (BLL) at elastic contact interacting of conjugate objects at their relative movement. The last has
defined a possibility to use an electrophysical probing method for an antiscuff various functionality oils properties
estimation: motor [22], transmission [14], hydraulic [23], geared [21], etc.
Modeling tests on BLL formation and destruction kinetics, with friction machine CMT-1 using with step load increment have
been made for criterion development. The circuit roller-segment was used in the experiment where the roller (Ст 45)
modeled the shaft, and the segment (Ст 45) modeled the support insert. Linear roller rotational velocity made 0.5 m/s, the
segment area was 2∙10-4
m2
.
Let's instance antiscuff and operational properties of hydraulic oils features estimation (figure 4) [23]. The roller was located
in a tray with analyzed oil before a test operation. One operational class hydraulic oils were test subjects on classification
API: ZF-46 (ТУ 0253-014-44918199-2005); МГЕ-46В (ТУ 38.001347-2000); HVLP-46 (ТУ 0253-028-44918199-2006);
HLP-46 (ТУ 38.301-41-180-2001).
The contact resistance value Rc between the shaft and the insert, measured on the four-wire circuit (figure 1) [9] has been
chosen as measured sliding bearing lubrication parameter state at a boundary friction diagnostic. It is caused by that the BLL
thickness estimation is carried out on contact resistance Rc value indirectly.
FIGURE 4 – A contact resistance (Rc) and a friction factor (f) on loading (N) dependence.
The estimation results generalization of antiscuff oils durability various functionality (motor, transmission, hydraulic, geared,
etc.) by influence on them external load and high-speed factors are presented in the figure 5. It is experimentally installed,
that a boundary lubricant layer [24] presented, for example, by engine oil, and metal conjugate objects surfaces of the
tribosystem under some load and high-speed (P, V) factors influence will occupy some equilibrium and stable structural
states characterized by certain points (О; А; В; С; D; К) on the circuit (figure 5) [14]. Each structural section surface
condition causes a certain contact resistance (Rc) dependence, i.e. each point О, А, В,… will match its average contact
resistance (Rc, about; Rc, A; Rc, B; Rc, C; Rc, D; Rc, K) value level. Let there is some minimum load and high-speed influence
(for example, a friction knot idling) on an interface which is characterized by O point. Then with electrophysical probing
parameters using we will develop diagnostic estimation criterion of lubricants antiscuff properties at step loading which is
applied at an estimation of engine oils antiscuff properties. The given complex criterion can be used only at registration,
external load and high-speed factors as well as internal tribosystem factors, for example, a contact resistance (Rc),
characterizing structural changes of conjugate objects interface.

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FIGURE 5. An external load and high-speed (P, V) factors on tribosystem depending on a time (t), where
structural section surface conditions are characterized by points (О, А, В, С, D, К) with matching to them
contact resistance (Rc) levels.
The diagnostic invariant criterion is developed, which does not depend on load and high-speed modes or conjugate objects
contact circuit (point, multiple) [14, 25]. The criterion consists in the following:
1. The BLL self-organizing mode occurs in the real pressure to ≈ 35 МPа field and is characterized by connection BLL
molecules with a surface transition from a physical adsorption to stronger chemical adsorption. BLL structure change is
accompanied by increasing its thickness and, as consequence, rising contact resistance Rc level. The recorded contact
resistance (Rc) to an initial metal surface (without lubricant) relation with an oxide film (Rок) Rc/Rok>> 1 resistance
characterizes the BLL state in which the polymolecular component remains;
2. The BLL dynamic equilibrium mode. In the formation and mechanical destruction chemisorbed layer process occurs
dynamic equilibrium in time. The polymolecular BLL component remains in this case, and the layer thickness by reason
of its wear decreases a little in comparison with the first mode. The chemisorbed layer modulus can attain the value ≈
1.4 GPa, that is comparable, on the order value with a rubber elasticity modulus (≈ 5 GPa). Resistance values relation is
more than one, i.e. Rc/Rok> 1 for this mode;
3. Physical and chemical processes complex (mechanodestruction, thermodestruction, etc.) causes decreasing values of
contact resistance level in view of BLL wearing. In this case it is possible to assume, that a polymolecular BLL
component is destroyed, and the monomolecular layer component ≈ 0.5 nm (hydrocarbon molecules cross-section size)
remains. In view of the fact that an oxide film contact resistance value is comparable with a tunneling conductance
value for the given layer thickness, the resistance values relation becomes about one, i.e. Rc/Rok ≈ 1;
4. At the friction critical behavior, score forestalling, the monomolecular BLL component is destroyed, that proves by the
further contact resistance value decreasing. At the same time, depending on the metals plastic deformation nature, two
variants can occur: the intensive surface oxidation accompanied, in the running-in period of surfaces interaction, by
contact resistance level by two-three orders increasing, with a subsequent an elastic energy surface layer accumulation
and developed dislocation structure formation with the subsequent surface layer destruction; surface layer destruction
and a juvenile surface uncovering without preliminary its intensive oxidation. For the given mode recorded contact
resistance Rc decreasing to contraction resistance (Rs) values level is characteristic. The recorded contact resistance (Rc)

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to contraction resistance (Rs) relation becomes equal about one, i.e. Rc/Rs ≈ 1. In a knot operating mode occurs, local in
a time, the friction surfaces gripping accompanied debris formation in a contact zone and conjugate surfaces separating
by them. At the same time, fluctuations Rc level increases sharply to an upper limit measurement (the boundary line is
set by electrical circuit and set current source parameters). Friction torque value and temperature increase sharply at this
time.
The given criterion can be used for a forecasting conjugate objects surface section lubrication state. The developed criterion
is in a basis of control algorithms conjugate metal objects surface section state in working friction knots conditions (rolling
and sliding bearings etc.), that is important for diagnostic and management by their operation modes.
Let's instance the developed actuality criterion and the way presented in the article, for a diagnostic internal-combustion
engine by "Mercedes" manufactured, type OM 502, operated in composition with a fodder harvester КВК 8060. At a high-
cycle spring compression and releasing which end rested against a valve cover, there was a fatigue failure of its end cover
and spring releasing. The last has led to engine oil supply in the motor trouble. A lack of liquid-film lubrication rate or a
hydrodynamic regime violation has led to a piston flashing in the cylinder, to inserts crank and crankshaft jamming (Figure
6).
А B
C D
FIGURE 6. An aspect of the jammed engine at its dismantling: A – the system cylinder-piston and the
crankshaft with necks (inserts); B – necks or crankshaft inserts; C – the valve controlling oil supply in the
engine; D – the valve cover destruction.
An experimental data values analysis of the contact resistance at load step increasing has allowed us to mark out four
boundary operating modes of sliding bearings connected with its lubrication state (figure 7) [26]:
 the hydrodynamic regime: a lubricant multilayer [27] between the shaft and the sliding bearing is "enough thick";
 the boundary friction mode: a lubricant multilayer is between the shaft and the sliding bearing and the tunneling
electric conductance is realized between the shaft and the bearing;
 the preemergency operation: the bearing is in a boundary friction mode with conservation of several monomolecular
BLL. The tunneling conductance occurs;
 the critical behavior: conservation is minimum possible on the thickness BLL monomolecular ≈ 0.3 nm with the
maximum possible real contact lapped area;
 the bearing destruction: BLL absence, testifying to "dry" metal contact, with oxide films destruction between the
shaft and the sliding bearing which is accompanied by the scoring and conjugate surfaces gripping.

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Hydrodynamic regime, Rg Boundary friction mode, Rt Preemergency operation, Rо
Critical behavior, Rcr Destruction, Rs
FIGURE 7. Sliding bearings operating modes
Comparison of recorded contact Rc value with theoretically counted threshold values Rg, Rt, Ro, Rcr, Rs (fig. 4) characterizes
conjugate objects lubrication state. The developed invariant test to rolling and sliding bearings using allows elaborating a
way of the lubrication state control [14]. The criterion is based on comparison of measured contact resistance Rс value with
theoretically counted contact resistance Rg, Rt, Ro, Rcr, Rs threshold values characterizing the sliding bearings operating
modes observed above.
We measured a contact resistance Rc quantity in the course of experiment at the step loading and we recorded kinetics of its
changing during 300 s. for each loading value, that was necessary for stabilization of physical and chemical processes
passing in BLL [28]. The measured value Rc was compared with counted threshold values Rs, Rcr, Ro, Rt, Rg, and we defined
the bearing lubrication mode.
Contact resistance Rc and friction coefficient f from loading N dependences are presented in the figure 3, received contact
resistance threshold values are shown by dashed lines. A correlation between friction coefficient from loading and measured
value contact resistance Rc dependence is visually presented in the figure 3. Hydraulic oil of marketable delivery МГЕ-46В
(TC 38.001347-00) was the object of research.
We accept a boundary lubricant layer thickness matching to transition from a hydrodynamic friction to a boundary friction
mode – 2.0 nm for testing oil, and the boundary lubricant layer thickness is matching to the monomolecular lubricant
minimum thickness layer – 1 nm.
Contact resistances Rg and Rt values, matching to hydrodynamic and boundary sliding bearings operating modes and
differing by lubricant layer various values d thickness are calculated with a formula (1).
We counted by formula (6) the contact resistance Rо value, installing the contact resistance boundary line of metal contact
with an accounting oxide films presence and corresponding to emergency bearing operation mode:
Rо = /a2
(6)
where  is a sheet specific resistance, a is a real contact point radius.
Сonsidering that the sheet resistivity level defined from reference data, can differ considerably for really used contact
materials surfaces with various process technology (carburizing, nitriding etc.), the contact resistance Rо value corresponding

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to metal contact with a glance oxide films presence, it is necessary to measure in a statics at a bearing loading under a dead
load in lubricant absence.
We defined Rcr experimentally at BLL monomolecular component destruction as it was possibly it to count, but its calculated
value will be equal ≈ Rо in signification. We defined the Rcr value experimentally at monomolecular BLL component
destruction. It is experimentally installed, that a voltage drop decreasing to ≈ 2 – 3 mV means the BLL monomolecular
component destruction.
The resistance contraction Rs value installing a contact resistance boundary line of metal contact with a glance mechanical
materials properties of which the bearing is made, it is necessary to calculate the radius of a real contact point (а) and the
actual contact area (S) for the specific bearing circuit, proceeding from the classical Hertz theory relationships (7).
Rs=/2a (7)
where ρ is an electric specific resistance, а is a real contact point radius.
We have theoretically counted threshold values Rg, Rt, Rо, Rcr, Rs and have obtained Rg = 166722 Om, Rt = 5 Om, Rо = 0.1
Om, Rcr = 0.04 Om, Rs = 0.001 Om (fig. 4).
We measured contact resistance Rc at a step segment loading on a roller for tested oil and recorded kinetics of its change in
the course of 300 s. on each loading step. We compared recorded Rc value and counted threshold values Rg, Rt, Rо, Rcr, Rs
(fugure 4). It is necessary to note, that Rg value at experiment executing has not been attained, as in the loadings field
realized on the friction test machine СМТ-1, a boundary friction mode become at once.
We are not following results (figure 4) for hydraulic oil marketable delivery of the brand МГЕ-46В. The measured value Rc
= 33 Om was for loading 200 N.
We have compared the gained value and counted threshold values and as Rt <Rc <Rg (5 Om <33 Om <166722 Om), we
conclude, that the bearing is in a boundary friction mode, the BLL thickness makes more than 1 nm, i.e. is in a normal
running regime.
The measured value Rc = 5 Om is for loading 350 N. We have compared the got value and counted threshold values and as Rc
= Rt (5.2 Om = 5 Om), we conclude, that the bearing is in a boundary friction mode, the BLL thickness makes 1 nm, i.e. is in
a normal running bearing regime.
The measured value Rc = 0.43 Om is for loading 600 N. We have compared the got value and counted threshold values and
as Rо <Rc <Rt (0.2 Om <0.43 Om <5 Om), we conclude, that the bearing is in a boundary friction mode, the BLL thickness is
less than 1 nm, but BLL keeps its integrity.
The measured value Rc = 0.2 Ohm is for loading 650 N. We have compared the got value and counted threshold values and
as Rc = Rо (0.2 Om ≈ 0.1 Om), we conclude, that the bearing passes in the preemergency operation mode at which there is a
boundary lubricant layer destruction and an electric conduction appearance through real points of metal contact with a glance
of oxide films.
The measured value Rc = 0.03 Om is for loading 800 N. We have compared the got value and counted threshold values and
as Rs <Rc <Rcr (0.001 Om < 0.04 Om <0.1 Om), we conclude, that the bearing is in an emergency operation mode at which a
boundary lubricant layer monomolecular component destruction and points with metal contact predominance occurs.
The measured value Rc = 0.0001 Om is for loading 1120 N. We have compared the got value and counted threshold values
and as Rc = Rs (0.0001 Om), we conclude that conjugate surfaces grabbing regime of sliding bearing occurs.
To control developed criteria we created the stand simulating plain bearings work, with recorded parameters output to the
computer (figure 8).

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FIGURE 8. Stand to diagnose plain bearings lubrication state
The basic technical features: a test category – friction; loading and force measurement – mechanical; force measurement
range – 20... 4000 N; the force dynamometer makes 2 %; the frictional torque type gauge is electronic; a frictional torque
error measurement makes 3 %; rpm measurement range is – 15... 3600 min-1
; a power consumption is no more than 1 kw;
overall dimensions are: 700x450x500 mm; weight is 43 kg.
The stand contains an adjustable electric drive, power expenses measurement device, real frictional unit equipped with a
boundary lubricant layer state electrophysical control circuit (hydrodynamic or hydrostatic journal bearing), hydrostation for
lubricant supply in frictional units and adjustable loading. The stand circuit is presented in the figure 9.
FIGURE 9. Stand circuit for plain bearings diagnostic
One of electrical schematics for voltage drop between the shaft and one of isolated sliding measurement is presented in the
figure 10, where N is a loading on the shaft, and I are electric current lines between the shaft and the sliding bearing.
FIGURE 10. Sliding bearing electrophysical probing circuit where 1 is a shaft, 2 is lubricant, 3 is an insert, 4
is an insert isolation, 5 is a bearings case
Another electric circuit for voltage drop between the earthed shaft and one of dielectric isolated sliding bearing measurement
is presented in the figure 11.

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FIGURE 11. Circuit for plain bearing diagnostic on a boundary lubricant layer state, where 1 is dielectric, 2
is a hydrodynamic bearing, 3 is a turbine rotor, 4 is a physical wedge, E is EDS = 50 mV, V is a voltmeter, I
are streamlines.
Other circuits for voltage drop between the shaft and sliding bearings measurement are possible also.
We used as tested oils turbine oil ТП-22С and transmission oil ТАД-17и also. These oils have a wide practical application at
turbines operation in RUP «Gomelenergo» and in drive train components of fodder and grain harvesters, produced by JSC
"Gomselmash". Estimation results of antiscuff and operational oils properties are presented in the figure 12.
FIGURE 12. Contact resistance on loading for turbine oil ТП-22С and transmission oil ТАД-17и
dependence
It is installed as a result of tests, that theoretically prognosticated contact resistance criterion levels defining sliding bearings
lubrication state, completely have found practical evidences. In case of the shaft dry metal contact (Ст 45) and the bronze
insert or a sliding bearing (БрОЦС-5-5-5) a voltage drop between them made ≈ 0.1 mV. It is experimentally installed at step
load increasing, that voltage drop decreasing to ≈ 2 – 3 mV means monomolecular BLL component destruction, presented
both turbine, and transmission oils. After achievement the given critical value Rcr conjugate surfaces grabbing and an electric
motor rotating the shaft jamming were noted. The last was accompanied by spasmodic decreasing of recorded contact
resistance to contraction resistance.
IV. CONCLUSION
Electro-physical probing methods using foundation is given for sliding bearings operation modes estimation on BLL state. A
calculation dependence analysis of tunnel resistance (Rt) from BLL nanometric thickness and the real contact area shows,
that at load increasing by two orders the real contact area changes by one order, and the contribution from a BLL thickness in

Page | 70
design value Rt increases by ten orders. The BLL thickness brings a basic contribution in the calculated value tunneling
resistance, instead of real contact area that allows to estimate mechanical and frictional properties of boundary lubricant
layers (BLL) at elastic contact interacting of conjugate objects at their relative moving.
Electric circuits and methods, allowing estimating BLL operational properties, are developed. This method allows to test
BLL formation and destruction kinetics in real sliding bearings direct at their operation.
On the experimental data analysis basis an antifrictional and antiscuff oils and plastic lubricants of a various functional
purpose properties estimation (transmission, motor, hydraulic, geared), the recorded contact resistance value relatively to an
initial metal surface resistance value or contraction resistance is developed the diagnostic estimation state criterion of metal
interface, namely at BLL formation and its self-organizing Rc/Rok>> 1 at a dynamic equilibrium between BLL formation and
destruction Rc/Rok> 1, BLL destruction Rc/Rok ≈ 1, metal interface destruction Rc/Rs ≈ 1. The developed criteria are the basis
for creating phenomenological models for predicting the state of lubrication of the interface surface of conjugated bodies
during rolling and sliding. These criteria are laid in the basis of algorithms for monitoring the state of the interface of
conjugated metal bodies under the conditions of rolling and sliding bearings, which is important for the diagnosis and
management of their operation modes.
Contact resistance threshold, on which values it is possible to estimate sliding bearings operation modes, connected with its
lubrication state, namely, hydrodynamic regime Rg, boundary friction mode Rt with polymolecular BLL conservation,
preemergency operation with monomolecular BLL (Ro) conservation, emergency operation mode (Rcr) with very thin (≈ 0.3
nm) monomolecular BLL conservation, destruction mode (Rs) are counted. Recorded contact Rc value with theoretically
counted threshold values (Rg, Rt, Ro, Rcr, Rs) comparison characterizes conjugate objects lubrication state. The proposed way
allows to estimate by means of nondestructive testing sliding bearing lubrication state at boundary friction that gives a
chance, depending on conjugate surfaces lubrication state to introduce amendments in its operation modes, to define oil
replacement age and thus to provide reliability and durability of its work.
Thus, the electro-physical probing method using foundation for sliding bearings diagnostic on the boundary lubricant layer
state is given. The way for the boundary sliding bearing lubricant control mode, for example, internal-combustion engine
(ICE) crankshaft journal at its loading in operating conditions, and also for an incoming control or engine oils quality
estimation is developed. The given diagnostic way allows to make an incoming quality oils inspection (hydraulic, turbine,
motor), their antifrictional, antiscuff, and operational properties estimation at an early stage before critical, emergency sliding
bearing running, to operate its work mode. The developed way has a big practical importance, as on its basis the device
which in real time carries out a quality control of used engine oil in the internal-combustion engine. The given device using,
for example, in fodder harvesters will allow to the machine operator to carry out not only a quality control of bought engine
oil in the market, but also to do its replacement in due time, on the basis of its thermal-oxidative ability.
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