Atomically precise slide bearing

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Up: Atomically precise bearings

A simulation of a superlubricatinvg strained shell sleeve bearing. Author Eric K. Drexler

Atomically precise slide bearings are bearings with:

  • all surfaces being atomically precise and sufficiently nonreactive (See: nanoscale passivation)
  • atomic bumpiness tuned for incommensurability – See: superlubricity
  • dry running – no lubricants – (atoms in lubricants would be like gravel at these scales)
  • no hollow spaces where dirt could get caught in & (redundantly) typically operating in a sealed PPV environment

Pros & Cons

PROs / Advantages:

CONs / Disadvantages:

  • significant friction for moderate speeds ~1m/s
  • very high friction for high speeds
    Dynamic friction scales quadratically with speed. 10x speed 100x friction.
    And vice-versa as the flip side of the coin.

2 Strategies for reducing friction for higher speeds – in bigger bearings

The design principle of Infinitesimal bearings can help for higher speeds
but going for atomically precise roller gearbearings too in the case of larger scale bearings
(assembly level 2 and above in productive nanosystems) may be advisable.

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