J Witt
Well-known member
I hadn't heard of the Babbitt crystallizing, but there is an issue with any metal with a tin component in the alloy. The issue is that over time and with a certain cold temperature range, the tin will change phase from it's normal metallic phase that we are familiar with, to a semi-conductor, ceramic phase that is more brittle and also has a molecule that is slightly larger. This larger molecule pushes on adjacent molecules and cause the metal to turn to powder. This is often seen in cast zinc-tin alloy model cars and trains which have been stored in the attic through many cold winters.
There is a story, told by my metallurgy prof, that when Napoleon's army invaded Russia in 1812, the army froze to death when the tin buttons on their uniforms disintegrated in the cold.
If I remember correctly, Babbitt is prone to cold-creep under load, but that wouldn't be likely to happen under the short term loads of running an engine.
John
There is a story, told by my metallurgy prof, that when Napoleon's army invaded Russia in 1812, the army froze to death when the tin buttons on their uniforms disintegrated in the cold.
If I remember correctly, Babbitt is prone to cold-creep under load, but that wouldn't be likely to happen under the short term loads of running an engine.
John
