A. A GRAPHALLOY bushing needs to be retained in its housing via an interference fit. The coefficient of thermal expansion of GRAPHALLOY material grades is low relative to steel and other common housing materials. In order to maintain retention at elevated temperatures, the initial press fit needs to be sufficient to overcome the difference in size change as temperatures rise.
Graphalloy is also quite elastic and the interference between the bushing OD and the housing ID will close up the bushing ID upon installation in the housing. The bushing also needs to have a clearance with the rotating shaft to allow movement.
If the housing and shaft are similar materials and are heated to similar temperatures, the clearance between bushing and shaft will remain nearly constant.
