Abstract: An elastomeric bearing includes a first race having an axis of rotation, a second race coaxially arranged relative to the first race and spaced from the first race by a gap and a bearing body in the gap connecting the first race to the second race. The bearing body is formed from a first plurality of elastomeric laminae coaxial with the first race and a second plurality of carbon fiber laminae coaxial with the first race, and the elastomeric laminae and the carbon fiber laminae alternate in a direction from the first race to the second race. The carbon fiber laminae may each include multiple sheets of carbon fibers embedded in a thermoplastic such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

Abstract: An elastomeric bearing includes a first race having an axis of rotation, a second race coaxially arranged relative to the first race and spaced from the first race by a gap, a bearing body in the gap connecting the first race to the second race, the bearing body comprising a plurality of first laminae coaxial with the first race and a plurality of second laminae coaxial with the first race, the first laminae being formed from a different material than the second laminae, and a metal end cap connected to the first race or to the second race. The metal end cap includes an at least partially hollow interior and/or is formed by an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: An elastomeric bearing includes a first race having an axis of rotation, a second race coaxially arranged relative to the first race and spaced from the first race by a gap, a bearing body in the gap connecting the first race to the second race, the bearing body comprising a plurality of first laminae coaxial with the first race and a plurality of second laminae coaxial with the first race, the first laminae being formed from a different material than the second laminae, and a metal end cap connected to the first race or to the second race. The metal end cap includes an at least partially hollow interior and/or is formed by an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: An elastomeric bearing includes a first race having an axis of rotation, a second race coaxially arranged relative to the first race and spaced from the first race by a gap and a bearing body in the gap connecting the first race to the second race. The bearing body is formed from a first plurality of elastomeric laminae coaxial with the first race and a second plurality of carbon fiber laminae coaxial with the first race, and the elastomeric laminae and the carbon fiber laminae alternate in a direction from the first race to the second race. The carbon fiber laminae may each include multiple sheets of carbon fibers embedded in a thermoplastic such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK).