Abstract: A method for lubricating a ceramic bearing surface which comprises applying a cesium-containing compound selected from the group consisting of Cs.sub.2 MoO.sub.4, Cs.sub.2 SO.sub.4, Cs.sub.2 WO.sub.4, Cs.sub.2 WOS.sub.3, Cs.sub.2 MoOS.sub.3 and CsOH, to the bearing surface and heating the thus-coated bearing surface to a temperature of about 300.degree. C. or greater. Alternatively, the cesium-containing compound may be applied in admixture with a lower alkali metal silicate. This method is particularly useful for lubricating the bearings in expendable, high temperature turbine engines, such as those used in expendable missiles.

Abstract: System and method for high temperature lubrication of a bearing surface of a movable machine part using lubricant sublimation is described which comprises a source of solid lubricant, a heater disposed in thermal contact with the lubricant for heating the lubricant to sublimation and a conduit for conducting sublimated lubricant vapors into contact with the bearing surface to be lubricated.