A Study of the Thermohydrodynamic Performance of a Plain Journal Bearing Comparison Between Theory and Experiments

Both theoretical and experimental thermohydrodynamic problem of a finite length journal bearing is studied. The analysis takes into acount heat transfer between the film and both the shaft and the bush. Cavitation and lubricant recirculation are also taken into account. The experimental program is conducted on an original device to study the performance of a plain bearing. The pressure and the temperature distribution on bearing wall are measured along with the eccentricity ratio and the flows rate for different speeds and loads. The effect on the eccentricity ratio of differential dilatation is underlined. Agreement between theoretical results and experimental data is satisfactory.