Rolls-Royce Archives
         « Prev  Box Series  Next »        

Comparison of the properties and performance of Copper-lead and Babbitt bearings.


Identifier  ExFiles\Box 115\5\  scan0216
Date  6th December 1938 guessed
  
5.

In comparison with the Babbitts, Copper-lead should give perhaps four or five times the life under quite moderate conditions. Where very high loads must be sustained especially at high temperatures where Babbit would crack in a short time, even better relative perfor- mance is obtained. All copper-lead compositions are well below babbitt with respect to anti-score quality, al- though definite differences are made by manufacturing conditions and composition. In common with most mater- ials which are not highlyresistant to scoring, it is not capable of conforming quickly to contortions of the shaft or of embedding dirt.

With the lead as essentially a pure element, it is sub- ject to corrosion and when the lead dissolves in the lubricating oil, the remaining copper sponge compresses, thereby increasing bearing clearance, also with loss of the lead, the anti-friction quality is impaired.

Lead Bronze bearings are therefore found in locations where a substantial increase over the life of babbitt is demanded but where only moderate anti-friction pro- perties are essential. 'Bus, Commercial Vehicle, Aero- plane and Diesel engines generally require the greater
  
  
From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).


Copyright Sustain 2026, All Rights Reserved.    whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble
An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙