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Question

Gun metal which is used in Journal bearing contains

The correct answer is

88% Cu, 10% Sn, 2% Zn

Gun metal is a type of bronze, an alloy primarily composed of copper, tin, and often zinc. It is widely recognized for its excellent casting properties, good strength, and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for various engineering applications, particularly in components that experience friction and wear, such as journal bearings.

Gun Metal Composition

The precise composition of Gun metal can vary slightly depending on its specific application and desired properties. However, a common and widely accepted composition, especially for use in Journal bearing applications, includes copper (Cu), tin (Sn), and zinc (Zn).

  • Copper (Cu): Copper forms the base of the alloy, providing ductility and electrical conductivity.
  • Tin (Sn): Tin is added to increase the strength, hardness, and wear resistance of the alloy. It also improves corrosion resistance.
  • Zinc (Zn): Zinc is included to improve the castability of the alloy, making it easier to pour and produce sound castings without porosity. It also helps in deoxidizing the melt and improving the alloy's strength and ductility.

Typical Gun Metal Composition for Bearings

For applications like Journal bearings, where good wear resistance and strength are crucial, a specific ratio of these elements is preferred. Let's analyze the common composition:

Element Percentage (%) Role/Benefit
Copper (Cu) 88% Base metal, good ductility, thermal conductivity
Tin (Sn) 10% Enhances hardness, strength, wear resistance, corrosion resistance
Zinc (Zn) 2% Improves castability, deoxidizes melt, enhances mechanical properties

This particular combination of 88% Cu, 10% Sn, and 2% Zn provides a good balance of properties required for Journal bearing applications, including good machinability, wear resistance, and a low coefficient of friction when properly lubricated.

Journal Bearing Application of Gun Metal

Journal bearings are designed to support rotating shafts and reduce friction between moving parts. The material used for these bearings must possess several key characteristics:

  • Wear Resistance: The bearing material must resist wear from constant contact with the rotating shaft.
  • Low Friction: To minimize energy loss and heat generation, the material should have a low coefficient of friction, especially when lubricated.
  • Strength: It must be strong enough to support the applied loads without deforming.
  • Corrosion Resistance: To withstand environmental factors and lubricants.
  • Machinability: The material should be relatively easy to machine into the required bearing shape.

The specified composition of Gun metal (88% Cu, 10% Sn, 2% Zn) meets these requirements effectively, making it a preferred choice for such demanding applications.

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Important Questions from Properties of Materials

  1. The photoelectric current depends on which of the following factors?

    1. The frequency of the incident light

    2. The intensity of the incident light

    3. The potential difference between the electrodes

    4. The photosensitivity of the non-mental
  2. Vanadium is added to steel as an alloying element to

  3. Babbit is an alloy of

  4. To improve the machinability, the alloying element of steel is:

  5. Which of the following hardness tests is best suitable for brittle materials such as ceramics?

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