Performance of Starved Journal Bearings With Oil Ring Lubrication

Abstract

An experimental program documenting the performance of journal bearings for conditions ranging from full hydrodynamic lubrication to states of extreme lubricant starvation is described. The effects of an incomplete fluid film on the eccentricity locus, extent of film, average and maximum temperatures, flow, and power losses are given as a function of amount of lubricant available to the bearing. In particular, the performance of starved bearings with oil ring lubrication is experimentally correlated to enable the designer to predict not only oil delivery by the ring, but also the resultant performance of the bearing.