JOURNAL BEARING TESTING

Arjun Jayadev
19ME63D08

Aim of the experiment:

To obtain the pressure distribution of hydrodynamic journal bearing.

Theory:
A journal bearing, also called as plain bearing, in its simplest form is a cylindrical
bushing made of a suitable material and containing properly machined inside and
outside diameters.
The journal is usually the part of a shaft or pins that rotates inside the bearing. The
main purpose of a journal bearing is to support the load on a rotating shaft. They are
capable of handling axial and vertical loads. Simple journal or solid bearing — It is
simply a block of cast iron with a hole for the shaft providing running fit. An oil hole is
drilled at the top for lubrication.
Our experiment involves a full journal bearing, which is hydrodynamic in nature.
There is a lubricating fluid which separates the moving surfaces from one another,
requiring no external pressure supply. Required pressure to support journal bearing
is generated from wedging action inside the journal.
Initially, the journal is in static position. The diameter of the shaft is slightly smaller
than diameter of bearing. This causes an eccentricity to develop between the centers
of journal and bearing.
As the shaft begins to rotate, there will be a contact between the loaded shaft and
bearing. After some time, the viscous fluid/oil squeezes between the shaft and the
bearing, which gives rise to the wedging action and the shaft begins to rotate rapidly.
This wedging action builds a pressure through squeezing action of liquid/oil between
the shaft and bearing. The eccentricity has a vital role for the wedging action and is a
critical design parameter.

Figure 1: schematic diagram of pressure distribution in Journal Bearing

Procedure:

1. The shaft is rotated at 1000 rpm using a DC motor.

2. Pressure sensors were placed at 12 positions around the bearing, each 30° apart,
to acquire the pressure distribution around the bearing.

3. Proximity sensor was positioned near the load to attain the film thickness reading.

4. Readings of pressure distribution, film thickness and friction was taken for the
following loads: 2 kg and 4 kg.

5. The readings are taken in the LVDT software and the data are taken.

Observation: For 2 kg and 5 kg load respectively.

Angle(in Degrees) 4 kg load 2 kg load

30 -12872 -12428.2
 60 -13739 -6225.74
90 28808.2 23646
120 97475 44616.1
150 86479.9 39706.4
180 5241.71 3301.32
210 3103.51 -805.078
240 11579.9 3691.92
270 1883.61 498.166
300 -1961.99 -1976.6
330 -5730.75 -5888.27
360 -5848.31 -5551.99

Figure 2: Pressure Vs Angle

Conclusion:

1. The journal bearing experience high friction when the shaft begins to rotate. The
pressure distribution increased with an increase in load.

2. The frictional force decreased with an increase in load, which is an anomaly.

3. Journal bearings can handle load, as metal-to-metal contact is minimal due to the
presence of oil.

4. The damping effect of oil film can help make engines quiet and smooth running.