Pressure and Temperature Field Measurements of a Lightly Loaded Circumferential Groove Journal Bearing

Abstract

The current study presents the experimental determination of the lubricant film pressure and temperature distributions on one land of a symmetrical two-land circumferential groove journal bearing (CGJB) operating under low-load steady-state conditions. Film pressure and temperature measurements are done both in axial and circumferential directions. Five axial planes, with three equally spaced pressure tappings per plane, construct the base pressure measurements grid. The pressure tappings circumferential location is shifted 20° from one plane to the neighboring plane. Similarly, the base temperature measurements grid consists of four axial planes, with three equally spaced thermocouples per plane. Hence, by rotating the bearing sequentially, with an angular step of 10°, it is possible to create fine measurement grids. This method of measurement is valid, because the circumferential groove journal bearing's operation is independent on the angle of loading. Two supply pressures were considered for the tests. The higher supply pressure leads to a smoother bearing operation. In the diverging zone, subatmospheric regions were measured. Superposing pressure and temperature fields reveals that the maximum temperatures are encountered in the sharp pressure drop region.

KEY WORDS:

• Hydrodynamics
• Hydrodynamic Lubrication (General)
• Journal Bearings
• Cavitation in Hydrodynamics
• Thermal Effects in Hydrodynamics

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors acknowledge the Sectoral Operational Programme Human Resources Development 2007-2013 of the Romanian Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Protection through the Financial Agreement POSDRU/88/1.5/S/60203. The authors also acknowledge the CPER Transport project, which is financially supported by FEDER European Fund, Conseil Régional de Poitou-Charentes, and Conseil Général de la Vienne, for the hydraulic system used in this study.

Review led by Michael Khonsari

Notes

^a Maximum range value.

^b At 20°C.

^a Bronze test bearing consists of two symmetrical lands.

^b Considering linear thermal expansions of shaft and bushing.

^c Value of supply pressure is relative to the atmosphere.