Study on the tribological properties and fault mechanisms of copper-based alloy journal bearing under different working conditions

Abstract

This paper experimentally investigates the influence of working conditions on the friction properties, wear behaviors, and seizure limit of journal bearing friction pairs including the aluminum bronze shafts and the steel bearings. The tribological tests were conducted by the journal bearing friction and lubrication characteristic test-rig under different relative clearances, applied loads, rotational speeds, and inlet oil temperatures. The worn surfaces were measured by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and laser microscopic 3D profile device to obtain the fault mechanisms. The results showed that the seizure limit value could be improved with the increase of relative clearance. The main wear mechanism of friction pairs is adhesive wear for a small relative clearance, and the main wear mechanism is transformed into abrasive wear with the increase of the bearing relative clearance.