BS EN 4040:2006

What is BS EN 4040 - Spherical plain bearings for aerospace applications about? 

BS EN 4040 is a European Standard series that discusses components used in the aerospace industry. The purpose of BS EN 4040 is to provide the best industry design requirements for spherical plain bearings to ensure stable operability and temperature resistance in wing flaps, engine mounts, hatches and joints, where they’re commonly used. 

BS EN 4040 specifies the characteristics of spherical plain bearings in corrosion resisting steel with a self-lubricating liner, with wide inner ring, for elevated loads at ambient temperature. 

Spherical plain bearings in BS EN 4040 are intended for use between fixed or moving parts of the aircraft structure and their control mechanisms. 

The spherical plain bearings defined in BS EN 4040 are used from − 55 °C to 163 °C. 

Who is BS EN 4040 - Spherical plain bearings for aerospace applications for? 

BS EN 4040 on spherical plain bearings for aerospace applications is useful for: 

• Manufacturers and suppliers of spherical plain bearings 
• Dealers and importers of spherical plain bearings  
• Manufacturers of aerospace equipment and components  
• Quality assurance services  
• Product design engineers  
• Aeronautical engineers 
• Regulatory bodies 

Why should you use BS EN 4040 - Spherical plain bearings for aerospace applications? 

The spherical plain bearing allows angular rotation in two orthogonal directions around a centre point. They consist of an inner ring with a convex sphere exterior surface and an outer ring with a concave sphere inside the surface. In aerospace applications, they are used in components such as wing flaps, engine mounts, hatches and joints. 

BS EN 4040 provides you guidance on required characteristics for spherical plain bearings, including configuration, dimensions, tolerances, surface roughness, materials, and surface treatment, enabling you to standardize the dimensional and physical properties of spherical plain bearings. 

If you are a manufacturer of spherical plain bearings used in the aerospace industry, compliance with these requirements can ensure your products meet the performance needs of the end application.  

BS EN 4040 creates a standardized approach for manufacturers of spherical plain bearings to adhere to if they supply their components for use by the aerospace and defence industry. 

By adopting BS EN 4040, you can demonstrate the temperature resistance, stable operability and longevity of spherical plain bearings and build trust in their use throughout the aerospace supply chain.