Influence of overlay on seizure resistance of crosshead-pin bearings

The influences of the overlay on the seizure resistance of the crosshead-pin bearing for large size diesel engines were evaluated by using a dynamic load bearing apparatus. The running in property was also evaluated by measuring the electrical resistance of the oil film. The major results are: (1) The seizure resistance of the aluminum tin bearing plated with the tin copper overlay using the tin bonding layer is much higher than that of the conventional lead based overlay plated white metal and aluminum-tin bearings; (2) Increasing the copper content in the tin copper overlay is effective in improving the seizure resistance. If the copper content becomes too high, however, the running-in property is degraded, thereby causing the seizure resistance to decrease; and (3) Increasing the overlay thickness is advantageous for improving the running-in property, and thereby raising the seizure resistance. If the overlay becomes too thick, however, seizure occurs within the overlay, thereby causing the seizure resistance to decrease.