CRYOGENIC GREASE LUBRICANTS FOR ROCKET AND SPACE TECHNOLOGY

The paper represents requirements for cryogenic grease lubricants used in the rocket and space technology. Data on lubricants based on perfluoropolyether liquid FEN is provided. New lubricant testing methods enabling to analyze their chemical composition and low-temperature characteristics are proposed. Quoted are investigation results for the equivalents of previously used cryogenic lubricants NIKA, NIRA and «Ametist». A practical relevance of the paper has been proven by introduction of low-temperature lubricants «Sever» currently being used in rocket and space items, as well аs successful application of the developed lubricant incoming inspection procedures at RSC Energia. Key words: low-temperature lubricant, perfluoropolyether liquid FEN, viscosity, solidification temperature, IR spectrum, potential evaporation.