Some Experiments on the Steady State Characteristics of a Cylindrical Fluid-Film Bearing Considering Thermal Effects

Abstract

The paper presents the results of systematic experiments conducted on a 100mm diameter cylindrical bearing having a L/D = 0.55 and a C/R = 1.5 × 10−3. Joint measurements are taken of the steady state position, the pressure distribution, and the journal and bearing wall temperatures as a function of speed, load, viscosity, and oil inlet geometry. The journal has built-in transducers for measuring displacement, pressure and temperature. The speed is varied from 6.7 to 133.3 Hz, the load from zero to 9000 N, the viscosity from 4 to 28 mPa•s and the oil inlet geometry is 2-holes or 2 axial grooves. Correlation with theoretical predictions is presented.