I'm straying away from automotive into marine, but we've all seen examples of where a solution from one sector becomes applicable to another. You're correct about "Cutless" bearings. I just couldn't recall the name. Actually, the "Cut" that they no longer make is to the prop shaft. Prop Shafts are subject to a lot of wear (cuts) where the strut bearing rides. By "sandwiching" the rubber (Neoprene, etc.) between two bronze bushings (one large, one small) they create a shockproof bearing that doesn't wear out. And the atmosphere they're working in is a lot more wear inducing than on a model A.
Terry
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe K
Cutless (trade mark) is the rubber bearing of propeller fame. The rubber is actually shaped with "ridges" and water is pulled into the interstice between the rubber and the shaft by the water's viscosity. The rubber compresses slightly in hydrodynamic pressure and the shaft actually rides on water.
It is a hydrodynamic bearing in its purest form - and doesn't even require oil.
But, for underwater applications (submerged in its lubricant) only.
Joe K
|