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Evaluation of indigenous bearing material for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) applications

CVRDE is in the process of developing indigenous bearing materials for use in Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) applications.  In this connection, static and fatigue studies were carried out on the material, to qualify the material for its use in LCA.  Tension, sharp-notch tension and uniaxial compression tests were carried out on the material at room, elevated (up to +300° C) and sub-zero (-75° C) temperatures.  Plane-strain fracture toughness tests were carried as per ASTM E 399 – 09 employing compact tension [C(T)] specimens.  Low cycle fatigue tests were carried out under four values of strain ranges, viz., 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5% and 0.6%.  The tests were carried out under strain-control and the specimens were subjected to constant amplitude triangular cyclic loading.  High cycle fatigue tests were carried out under four values of stress ranges, viz., 900 MPa, 1300 MPa, 1900 MPa and 2500 MPa.  The tests were carried out under load-control and the specimens were subjected to constant amplitude sinusoidal cyclic loading.  Corrosion fatigue tests were also carried out employing eccentrically-loaded single edge notch tension [ESE(T)] specimens.

Set-up for sharp-notch tension test  at sub-zero temperature

Set-up for sharp-notch tension test at sub-zero temperature

Close-up view of sharp-notch Tension test specimen after failure at sub-zero temperature

Close-up view of sharp-notch Tension test specimen after failure at sub-zero temperature

Set-up for corrosion fatigue test on ESE(T) specimen

Set-up for corrosion fatigue test on ESE(T) specimen

Close-up view of ESE(T) specimen after failure

Close-up view of ESE(T) specimen after failure