Fluid-Film Journal Bearings Operating in a Hybrid Mode: Part II—Experimental Investigation

Abstract

An extensive experimental program was carried out to test the theoretical predictions discussed in Part I of this paper. The design of the bearing test rig is described. Line-source plain hybrid journal bearings have been investigated and results are presented for bearings at the optimum and higher speeds. Such parameters as load, eccentricity, oil-film pressure, speed, inlet and outlet temperatures, friction torque, oil flow-rate, and attitude angle have been measured. A description of the appropriate instrumentation is also included. Whereas close agreement was found between theory and experiment, there was a tendency for measured loads to be slightly higher than predicted, particularly as the eccentricity ratio approached a value of unity. It was also found that at high values of power ratio corresponding to higher temperature rise conditions, frictional torque was lower than predicted.