A sensor was developed in the Phase I effort that enabled the measurement of a wear liner thickness in a bearing. The goal of the Phase II effort is to mature that sensor into a system that can be qualified in spherical bearings such as AS81820 and AS81819. To reach that goal, NanoLab and its subcontractors will refine the sensor design, demonstrate their insertion and operation in a bearing environment, develop readout electronics for maintainers, and test the bearings with sensors against the applicable standards.
Benefit: A sensor that can measure the remaining wear liner thickness of a bearing will benefit maintainers in several ways: provide an accurate assessment of a bearing liner's remaining thickness, reduce the effort required to measure bearings installed in difficult to access areas, and enable life extension for parts that do not need replacement. We anticipate that the sensors will find use in several industries, including: military and commercial marine and aerospace, as well as in wind power.
Keywords: AS81819, spherical bearing, AS81820, wear, Sensor
