Simplicity linear bearings have been
installed in an earthquake simulation machine developed by the
Washington University Structural Control and Earthquake Engineering Lab
(WUSCEEL) in St. Louis, Missouri. Due to their ability to tolerate
intense shock and vibration without fretting and require no added grease
or oil, the PBC Linear plane bearings were perfectly suited to handle
the job
Intense shock
vibration is an obvious pre-requisite to study the impact of earthquakes
and structure analysis. To recapture the conditions of an earthquake,
researchers construct what is typically referred to as a “shock table.” A
shock table is a machine that simulates the conditions of an
earthquake. The entire structure weighs up to 850 lbs, and when
vibrating can exert 3-4 g’s of force on the bearings and shafting.
Simplicity® linear plane bearings are
designed to last in the toughest environments; including heavy loads and
short strokes. With no rolling elements, the linear plane bearings
contain no moving parts to fret and seize up; this completely eliminates
the potential for catastrophic failure. Their proprietary FrelonGold®
liner also enhances load capacities and dampens shock vibration—making
the Simplicity® line an attractive candidate to anyone seeking to study
earthquakes or other heavy load applications. Combined with PBC Linear
ceramic coated shafting, the Simplicity® plane bearings provided smooth,
quiet and long-lasting linear motion even in the cruel environment
created by the shock table.
The WUSCEEL shock table is used to test for
a wide range of structural analysis: bridge and building stability
research, fragility curves and vibration control of aero systems. Any
structure or material that could be affected by an earthquake or other
high vibration surroundings is put to the test on these tables. These
experiments prompted the researches to discover new ways to build
earthquake resistant bridges, more reliable air planes, and stronger
buildings.
