Lubricating Materials for Mechanisms Operating in Space

Abstract

A comparative analysis of the main types of greases and base oils for their manufacture that are used for lubricating mechanisms operating in space is performed. Their differences in terms of chemical composition, volatility, and operating temperature range are analyzed. The research results on the tribological properties of lubricating greases and on the effect of the base oil and additive types on their life are presented. The main techniques for testing the volatility, the lubricating ability, and the life of greases are reviewed.