Tribological Limitations in Gas Turbine Engines. A Workshop to Identify the Challenges and Set Future Directions

Early in the development of the gas turbine aircraft engine, tribology played a key supporting role in extending the life and performance of oil lubricated rolling element bearings permitting operation at ever higher speeds, loads and temperatures. A major factor in the success of rolling element bearings has been a clear understanding of the operating conditions and improvements in both bearing materials and lubricants. However, current projections and recent experience are that advancements to existing bearings and lubricants will likely only be incremented at best.