Wear by Generation of Electrokinetic Streaming Currents

Abstract

Hydraulic control valves in commercial aircraft are subject to “erosion” in service with phosphate eśter fluids, due to corrosion from generation of electrokinetic streaming currents. This “zeta corrosion” phenomenon is now well understood. The theory is extended here to calculate current densities that would be generated on the surfaces of lubricated journal bearings and roller bearings. Measurements of such current densities made with a disk electrode in a simulated journal bearing are in approximate agreement with the model. Many aspects of bearing wear reported in the literature are consistent with the zeta corrosion mechanism.

Presented at the 37th Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 10–13, 1982

Notes

Presented at the 37th Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 10–13, 1982