Experimental investigation on the thermal behavior and performance characteristics of a twin axial groove journal bearing as a function of applied load and rotational speed

Abstract

An experimental investigation of the influence of applied load and rotational speed on the performance of a 100mm diameter plain journal bearing with two axial grooves located at ±90º to the load line has been carried out. The applied load varied from 2 to 10kN, whereas the rotational speed ranged from 1000 to 4000 rpm. Measurements of hydrodynamic pressure, temperature profiles at the oil-bush and oil-shaft interfaces, oil flowrate and minimum film thickness under steady state conditions have been performed and the results discussed. The operating conditions were found to affect significantly the temperature profile inside the bearing. At low eccentricity tests the maximum temperature occurred at the unloaded lobe of the bearing, with the downstream groove contributing poorly to bearing cooling. As eccentricity increased, a temperature increase in the loaded lobe of the bearing was observed, along with a temperature decrease in the unloaded lobe. At high eccentricities the downstream groove was found to contribute significantly to bearing cooling. Shaft temperature and oil outlet temperature did not seem to be significantly affected by increasing load.