Abstract: A rod end includes a shaft and a head extending from the shaft. The head has an opening extending therethrough. The rod end includes a spherical bearing rotatably disposed in the opening. The spherical bearing is manufactured from an austenitic stainless steel alloy that includes 16 to 17 weight percent chromium and 0.1 to 0.18 weight percent nitrogen.

Abstract: A high-cycle, short range-of-motion linkage apparatus for actuation of a turbofan engine component includes a pivot member having a head portion and a stem, and an actuator moveable between a first and second position. An actuator first end defines a receiving portion into which the stem is removably secured. An actuator second end defines a coupling member pivotally connected to a turbofan engine structural member and moveable between a first and second position corresponding to the actuator first and second positions. A spherical plain bearing pivotally connects the pivot member head to the turbofan engine component and includes an inner member, an outer member swaged around the inner member and disposed between the inner member and the head of the pivot member, and a liner disposed between the inner and outer members. The outer member defines a range of motion in relation to the inner member up to 90°.