Measured Performance of a Highly Preloaded Three-Lobe Journal Bearing–-Part II: Dynamic Characteristics

Abstract

The dynamic coefficients of a three-lobe bearing with a preload factor of 0.75 were determined. Principal and cross-coupled stiffness and damping coefficients were derived from measured responses to forced harmonic excitation. Three operating speeds were tested and, for each speed, the load was varied so that the Sommerfeld number ranged from 0.23 to 2.87. Three orbits were used for each test condition, which resulted in three data points for each condition. At each condition the nominal data points fell within the uncertainties of the data. Non-dimensionalized data at all three speeds were independent of any given Sommerfeld number; thus, the Reynolds number had little influence for the range of conditions tested. Data indicated that minimization of the uncertainties is possible with optimal orbit selection.

Presented as a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers paper at the ASME/STLE Tribology Conference in Lahaina, Hawaii, October 16–20, 1994

KEY WORDS:

• Hydrodynamic Bearings
• Journal
• Multi-lobe

Notes

Presented as a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers paper at the ASME/STLE Tribology Conference in Lahaina, Hawaii, October 16–20, 1994