Module 5
Q1. Discuss commonly used bearing materials and their
properties. (10 Marks)
Answer:
Common Bearing Materials:
1. Babbitt (White Metal):
o Soft alloy (tin/lead-based)
o Used in journal bearings
2. Bronze:
o Copper-based alloy
o Used in heavy load applications
3. Cast Iron:
o Good damping capacity
o Used for low-speed applications
4. Copper-Lead Alloys:
o High fatigue strength
o Used in automotive bearings
5. Aluminum Alloys:
o Lightweight and corrosion resistant
6. Non-metallic Materials:
o PTFE, Nylon
o Used for low friction applications
Properties of Bearing Materials:
Compressive Strength → withstand loads
Fatigue Resistance → resist repeated stress
Conformability → adjust to misalignment
Embeddability → absorb dirt particles
Corrosion Resistance
Thermal Conductivity → dissipate heat
Conclusion:
Selection depends on operating conditions like load, speed, and environment.
Q2. Explain advantages and disadvantages of different
bearing materials. (10 Marks)
Answer:
Advantages:
Babbitt:
o Excellent conformability and embeddability
o Low friction
Bronze:
o High strength and wear resistance
Aluminum Alloys:
o Lightweight and corrosion resistant
Polymers:
o Self-lubricating
o Corrosion resistant
Disadvantages:
Babbitt:
o Low strength
o Cannot withstand heavy loads
Bronze:
o Expensive
o Requires lubrication
Cast Iron:
o Brittle
Polymers:
o Low temperature resistance
o Limited load capacity
Conclusion:
No single material is ideal; trade-offs must be considered.
Q3. Explain the concept, scope, and surface modification
techniques in surface engineering. (10 Marks)
Answer:
Surface Engineering (Concept):
Modification of surface properties without affecting bulk material
Improves wear, corrosion, and fatigue resistance
Scope:
Automotive components
Aerospace parts
Cutting tools
Biomedical implants
Surface Modification Techniques:
1. Transformation Hardening:
o Heating followed by rapid cooling
o Example: Induction hardening
2. Surface Melting:
o Laser or electron beam melts surface layer
o Produces refined microstructure
3. Thermo-chemical Processes:
o Diffusion of elements into surface
o Examples:
Carburizing
Nitriding
Cyaniding
Conclusion:
Surface modification enhances life without changing core properties.
Q4. Describe surface coating processes and selection of
coatings for wear and corrosion resistance. (10 Marks)
Answer:
Surface Coating Methods:
1. Plating:
o Electroplating (e.g., chromium plating)
oImproves corrosion resistance
2. Fusion Processes:
o Thermal spraying, welding
o Strong coating-substrate bond
3. Vapor Phase Processes:
o Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD)
o Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
Selection of Coatings:
For Wear Resistance:
Hard coatings (e.g., carbides, nitrides)
High hardness and adhesion
For Corrosion Resistance:
Noble metals (e.g., chromium, nickel)
Protective oxide layers
Factors for Selection:
Operating temperature
Environment (corrosive/abrasive)
Cost
Compatibility with substrate
Conclusion:
Proper coating selection improves performance and extends component life.
If you want, I can also provide:
Short notes (5-mark answers)
Diagrams (very important for exams)
Previous year questions from this unit