Microprocessor Control of Running-in of Plain Bearings

Abstract

Correct running-in procedures have a major influence on the subsequent life and performance of a plain bearing. With very large bearings, the process can be both time-consuming and expensive.

It is necessary to control the running-in conditions very carefully, since too thick a lubricant film, will retard the running-in, while too little lubrication will lead to overheating and possible damage or even seizure. Since the surface topography is changing continuously during running-in, the optimum lubrication condition also changes.

This paper describes a new bearing rig in which running-in parameters are monitored and fed to a microprocessor which, in turn, controls the loading and speed conditions. The objective is to obtain correct running-in, in the minimum possible time.