The Metallurgical Engineering of Bronze Sleeve Bearings: Alloy Selection, Load Dynamics, and Industrial Application
Bronze sleeve bearings, classified as plain bearings or journal bearings, constitute a foundational component within mechanical engineering, providing a critical interface for rotating or linear motion between a shaft and a housing. Functioning as bushings, these components leverage the inherent tribological advantages of copper-based alloys to reduce friction, manage heat dissipation, and absorb operational loads. The extensive utility of bronze sleeve bearings, from automotive powertrains and heavy construction equipment to precision machine tools and marine propulsion systems, is attributable to the versatile metallurgical properties of bronze. Unlike rolling element bearings that rely on point contact, sleeve bearings employ a larger surface contact area, enabling them to support significant radial loads, accommodate shock loading, and offer resistance to mechanical wear
