Aluminum-on-Steel Bearings Alter Design Practice

A short summary of the history of aluminum bearings and the development of aluminum alloy-on-steel is presented in this paper. This latter combination has brought about a change in thinking on the distribution of bearing loads. Changes in design and geometry have also been made possible through the investigation of the load carrying capacity of aluminum-on-steel.

Extremely high loads can be carried on the aluminum alloy-on-steel bearings without deterioration. The high fatigue resistance and acceptance of higher localized heat permit the use of smaller effective bearing areas. In turn, these smaller bearing areas reduce bearing friction.