Abstract
any engineering polymers exhibit properties that would appear to make them suitable for thrust washers and bearings in power transmission applications. Most of the properties published in conventional product catalogs do not specifically address those characteristics that define the materialÕs functionality in these type applications. The work covered in this paper is intended to provide an understanding of the impact from the various parameters a material is subjected to in a drivetrain environment. Suggestions are offered on how to develop the data necessary to characterize materials for use in this type application. First, we define the characteristics most critical to thrust applications. Equipment to help in the simulation of the drivetrain environment is presented along with data developed using that equipment. The overall direction is to provide a material performance envelope so that material limits are better understood. Emphasis is placed on defining performance of materials prior to the expense of dynamometer or full system testing. This ultimately allows the user a more rapid transition to full system performance evaluation while avoiding the fears associated with improper selection of functional component materials.