Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Tele man
...ceramic bearings in jet engines for "both" longivity and low-friction
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Unfortunately, the applications of a jet engine and auto wheel are not mechanically homologous. A car wheel experiences large shocks transverse to the axis, while a jet engine ideally does not.
I'm not an expert, but I don't think there are any ceramics available at mass-production prices that approach steel's modulus of toughness.
Ceramic bearings are super cool though. Rear derailleurs on bicycles have used small ceramic bearings for years. They are especially nice because they don't require lube and will never squeak.