Research and development of solid lubricate coatings based on the TiN and TiN-Pb systems for wear and fretting resistance on the LRE turbopump unit elements

Abstract

The wear-resistant TiN coating and the developed TiN-Pb composite coating were studied to protect the elements of turbopump units (TPU) of liquid-propellant rocket engines (LRE). Coatings  were obtained in planar magnetron sputtering systems (MPS) using sputtering, both from one target and co-sputtering from two targets (titanium and lead) in the medium of reaction N2 and working Ar gases in a mixture with  determination of its optimal composition. High performance of the sealwithin the specified resource, the required tightness against oxidant leakage and the absence of wear of the sealing ends of the support ring were ensured. Studies of the TiN-Pb coating made it possible for the first time to determine the optimal value of lead in the coating and to  recommend this coatingfor protection against fretting of HPP elements.