A tribometer and methodology for wear and friction testing of porous journal bearings at elevated temperatures

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims on a methodology to overcome the fact that conventional service life testing of porous journal bearings (PJBs) requires long test times and is not economical. Design/methodology/approach This paper sketches out a pathway to strongly accelerated life tests for PJBs enabled by high load and elevated temperature, which saves months or even years of testing. The testing time is not only reduced to a few weeks, but the results are also statistically secured via a multiple test rig construction of a custom-made tribometer. Findings An exemplary bearing-lubricant combination is tested in the mixed lubrication regime, where the coefficient of friction is monitored during the test. Originality/value A Weibull curve is fitted to the experimental results to show the survival probability of the combination over time. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2019-0351/