The friction properties of self-lubricating highly loaded thrust bearing was simulated by ANSYS software.
The calculated result was verified and studied by ground experiment. The results show that self-lubrication
helps to decrease the peak stress in the contact surface while its thickness is less than 0. 4mm. The decrease of friction
coefficient, increase of compress strength, or increase of the conduct coefficient of self-lubrication could lengthen the
bearing-life by decreasing the temperature of bearing surface. The friction coefficient of Nomex/ PTFE self-lubricating
composite decreases steadily with the increasing of thrust load, ultra small value 0. 017 is reached under the 145 MPa
load.