- Plain bearing materials

- Evaluation of used main and big end bearings

in medium-speed 4 stroke engines

Data and pictures received with kind permission of Zollern BHW

Comparison of Bi-Metal and Tri-Metal bearings
Evaluation of used main and big end bearings
in medium-speed 4 stroke engines
Steel / aluminium

The contact reflection is developed uniformly, covering

the whole bearing width. lt is well experienced that the
dirt score caused by a foreign particle within the
lubricating oil, has no considerable effect on the further
operating reliability of the plain bearing. This bearing
shell may be re-used.

The contact reflection is developed uniformly, covering

the whole bearing width. This bearing shell may be
re-used.

The contact reflection is developed uniformly,

covering the whole bearing width. The radially
extended scores are caused by minute solid
matter particles included in the lubricating oil. In case
the depth of these scores is neither measurable
nor tangible, the bearing shell may be re-used. In
case of the depth of these scores reaches or exceeds
the dimension of the lubricating film thickness, the
bearing shell has to be replaced.
The contact reflection shows highly loaded areas
at the bearing edges with traces of corrosion
within the running layer made from an aluminium
Alloy. This bearing shell is not reusable.
The cause of this plain bearing damage has to be
determined and eliminated..

The contact reflection shows a large damaged area

with different degrees of seizure. This bearing shell
is not reusable. The cause of this plain bearing
damage has to be determined and eliminated.

This bearing shell shows cracked-off bearing metal

due to fatigue of the aluminium alloy running layer.
Some pieces of cracked-off bearing metal are still
visible in the fatigue area. The surface structure at the
bottom of the cracked-off area indicates good
bonding of the aluminium alloy to the steel-back. This
bearing shell is not reusable.

This bearing shell shows cracked-off bearing metal

due to fatigue of the aluminium alloy running layer.
The surface structure at the bottom of the
cracked-off area indicates good bonding of the
aluminium alloy to the steel back. This bearing
shell is not reusable.
Tri-metal with electroplated layer
The contact reflection is developed uniformly,
covering the whole bearing width. lt is well
experienced that the dirt score caused by a foreign
particle within the lubricating oil, has no considerable
effect on the further operating reliability of
the plain bearing. This bearing shell may be re-used.

The contact reflection of the shaft is well marked in

the center area. The electroplated running layer is
completely preserved. There are no signs of corrosive
attack. The foreign body score has no significant
influence on the operational reliability of
the bearing; the shells can be re-used .

In this state of wear the bearing shell may be further used.

The following zones are visible:
A) Nickel dam visible in a small area
B) Bearing metal lead bronze locally exposed by edge wear
C) Electroplated running layer is dark due to tin migration.
D) No sign of wear on electroplated running layer.
A) Dark area: remains of electroplated running layer. This
»running picture« shows a normal state of wear. There
is no corrosive attack. The few scores caused by foreign
particles are of no consequence. The
electroplated running layer is only preserved in about 70 % of
the contact area of the shell. The bearing shell is only
conditionally fit for use because of its limited running-in
properties.
The »running picture« shows normal wear after about
39.000 hours. The bearing shell must be replaced. The
following zones are visible:
A) Bearing metal exposed by wear (normal process)
B) Nickel dam zone normally worn
C) Diffusion zone. Darker colouring due to tin migration
D) No sign of wear on electroplated running layer

The electroplated running layer (PbSnCu) is almost completely

worn out by corrosion and mechanical wear. Large areas of
the nickel dam are visible. The nickel dam does not show any
transitional phase in the wear pattern of the bearing shell, as
in previous pictures. The shell must be replaced because it has
no »running-in« capabilitiy.
This picture also shows a large area where the electroplated
running layer (PbSnCu) is worn out by corrosion and
mechanical wear. The nickel dam is exposed.
This shell must also be replaced because it has no
»running-in« capability.
MMS experience in the field
It is very important not to mix
bearing shells of two different
makers and/or materials on one
crankpin.
The contact pressure of the
different makers are slightly
differant and the wear and tear of
different materials composits
during operation as well.
Bearing failures might be the
result.

Tri-metal with galvanic layer Bi-metal without galvanic layer

made by Zollern BHW made by MIBA
Main bearing, flywheel and trust bearing
inpection after 12.000 running hours
operation. Condition is good for continuing
the operation until next overhaul for next
inspection.
Big end bearing shells showing punctual cavitation. Under certain operational conditions,
local oil pressure drops producing bubbles that cause the damage to the bearing surface.
This damage will be the effect in certain bearing areas, if after corrosion will
cause a cavitation in the material through the first layer up to the ground material.
Dirt particles inside the lubrication oil system is one of the most common causes of bearing
damages. It is therefore recommended to keep the lubrication il system clean also after each
overhaul. The filters must be frequently checked and changed if any damages to filter mesh
are visible.
In this case dirt particles were embedded in the softer bearing shell but eventhough a
Polishing of the crankpin was required.
Thank your for your attention and also to Zollern BHW