CHAPTER 3

STABILITY ANALYSIS OF HYDRODYNAMIC JOURNAL BEARING AND ITS

EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATION
Journal bearings have been widely used in high-speed rotating machinery. The dynamic
coefficients of oil-film force affect the machine unbalance response and machine
stability. With some ambiguous understandings on the oil-film bearing theory, such as the
boundary conditions, cavitation and whirl phenomena, it is difficult to calculate the
dynamic coefficients accurately. Therefore both of the experimental and theoretical
investigations on the dynamic coefficients of journal bearing are indispensable.
If the shaft is considered to be rigid mass there in connections with the fluid film spring
there will be natural frequency of vibration. There is also disturbing force coming from
residual unbalance in the system. Therefore the resonant vibration will be at shaft rotation
speed called synchronous whirl and has been observed as a precession or orbiting of the
center of shaft about the center of the bearing [3].
The influence of fluid film bearing on the dynamic behavior of the journal is studied
theoretically. The stiffness of the shaft itself combined with the stiffness of bearing that
support the journal determines several forms of natural frequencies of vibration called
critical speed or threshold of whirl instability or stability of journal bearings.
The stiffness of the bearing film is non linear, but for small displacements of shaft about
the equilibrium film thickness, the film stiffness may be taken as a constant. Synchronous
speed (Stability speed) is determined theoretically for different operating conditions and
verified experimentally on Journal bearing test rig.
3.1 Pressure distribution (Theoretical Analysis) [18]
Bearing under consideration.(Journal Bearing Test Rig)
Diameter of journal( Dj ) : 39.96 mm
Length of bearing ( L ) : 40.00 mm
Clearance ( C ) : 0.185 mm
C / Rj : 0.005
Speed ( N ) : 800 rpm
Load ( W ) : 150 N
Lubricant : SAE 20W40, = 0.0981 Pa-sec.

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3.1.1Calculations for theoretical pressure [1]
1) Bearing Pressure
(11)

=
2) Sommerfeld Number

( ) ( ) (12)

= (108) 2 (0.0981 * 800) / (60* 0.09 * 106)

= 0.16951
From Raimondi and Boyd chart ( Refer Appendix A and B) = 0.5413
3) Pressure Distribution :
2 2 2
6 2 2 1 (13)
6 * [(2* * 800 / 60) (108 )] 2 ( 0.52 * sin 10 )*( 2 + 0.52 sin10) /
[(2 +0.52 2) (1 + 0.52 * cos10)2]
= 25.156kPa
A MATLAB program to find and plot the pressure distribution of Journal Bearing
A Matlab program is done to find pressure distribution using Reynolds equation.
Refer Appendix C for program.

37
3.2 Pressure distribution (Tables and plots)
3.2.1 Pressure distribution at speed of 800rpm & load of 150N
Eccentricity ratio=0.5413
Table 3.1 Theoretical Pressure distribution at speed of 800 rpm and load of 150 N

Angle Pressure distribution,

(degree) (kPa)
0 0
10 25.434
20 51.231
30 77.761
40 105.401
50 134.532
60 165.521
70 198.679
80 234.164
90 271.803
100 310.770
110 349.048
120 382.622
130 404.521
140 404.223
150 368.747
160 287.193
170 158.865
180 0.0872

Fig. 3.1 Plot of pressure distribution at speed of 800rpm & load of 150N
Fig. 3.1 shows that maximum pressure of 404.521 kPa is developed at 130 degrees for a
load of 150N and speed of 800 rpm.

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3.2.2 Pressure distribution at speed of 800rpm & load of 300N
Eccentricity ratio=0.7036
Table 3.2 Theoretical Pressure distribution at speed of 800 rpm and load of 300 N

Angle Pressure distribution,

(degree) (kPa)
0 0
10 26.488
20 53.547
30 81.780
40 111.865
50 144.600
60 180.943
70 222.075
80 269.428
90 324.685
100 389.605
110 465.456
120 551.507
130 641.566
140 717.361
150 739.681
160 647.614
170 390.921
180 0.2219

Fig. 3.2 Plot of pressure distribution at speed of 800rpm & load of 300N
Fig. 3.2 shows that maximum pressure of 639.681kPa is developed at 150 degrees for
load of 300N and speed of 800 rpm , as load is increased from 150N to 300N the
maximum pressure is increased.

39
3.2.3Pressure distribution at speed of 900rpm & load of 150N
Eccentricity ratio=0.5132
Table 3.3 Theoretical Pressure distribution at speed of 900 rpm and load of 150 N

Angle Pressure distribution,

(degree) (kPa)
0 0
10 28.191
20 56.745
30 86.025
40 116.392
50 148.197
60 181.747
70 217.251
80 254.707
90 293.701
100 333.070
110 370.378
120 401.202
130 418.391
140 411.871
150 370.104
160 284.433
170 155.878
180 0.0853

Fig. 3.3 Plot of pressure distribution at speed of 900rpm & load of 150N

Fig. 3.3 shows that maximum pressure of 418.391kPa is developed at 130 degrees for
load of 150N and speed of 900 rpm.

40
3.2.4Pressure distribution at speed of 900rpm & load of 300N
Eccentricity ratio=0.6770
Table 3.4 Theoretical Pressure distribution at speed of 900 rpm and load of 300 N

Angle Pressure distribution,

(degree) (kPa)
0 0
10 29.731
20 60.070
30 91.658
40 125.207
50 161.537
60 201.615
70 246.593
80 297.807
90 356.712
100 424.609
110 501.916
120 586.486
130 670.150
140 732.900
150 736.674
160 628.618
170 371.931
180 0.2095

Fig. 3.4 Plot of pressure distribution at speed of 900rpm & load of 300N
Fig. 3.4 shows that maximum pressure of 736.494 kPa is developed at 150 degrees for
load of 300N and speed of 900 rpm , as load is increased from 150N to 300N the
maximum pressure is increased and angle of maximum pressure is shifted from 130 to
150 degrees.
41
3.2.5 Pressure distribution at speed of 1000rpm & load of 150N
Eccentricity ratio=0.4853
Table 3.5 Theoretical Pressure distribution at speed of 1000 rpm and load of 150 N

Angle Pressure distribution,

(degree) (kPa)
0 0
10 30.774
20 61.898
30 93.718
40 126.566
50 160.744
60 196.485
70 233.879
80 272.750
90 312.439
100 351.470
110 387.059
120 414.513
130 426.721
140 414.284
150 367.199
160 278.853
170 151.565
180 0.0827

Fig. 3.5 Plot of pressure distribution at speed of 1000rpm & load of 150N
Fig. 3.5 shows that maximum pressure of 426.721kPa is developed at 130 degrees for
load of 150N and speed of 1000 rpm.

42
3.2.6 Pressure distribution at speed of 1000rpm & load of 300N
Eccentricity ratio=0.6504
Table 3.6 Theoretical Pressure distribution at speed of 1000 rpm and load of 300 N

Angle Pressure distribution,

(degree) (kPa)
0 0
10 32.909
20 66.455
30 101.304
40 138.187
50 177.932
60 221.489
70 269.948
80 324.502
90 386.324
100 456.197
110 533.668
120 615.268
130 691.232
140 740.635
150 727.552
160 607.012
170 353.042
180 0.1976

Fig. 3.6 Plot of pressure distribution at speed of 1000rpm & load of 300N
Fig. 3.6 shows that maximum pressure of 740.635 kPa is developed at 140 degrees for
load of 300N and speed of 1000 rpm, as load is increased from 150N to 300N the
maximum pressure is increased and the angle of maximum pressure is shifted from 130 to
140 degrees.

43
3.3 Determination of synchronous whirl.
Considering partial arc bearing 60 to 150 ( = 90)

Taking values of and from Table Appendix D

Using

= 6.94 A (14 )

= 16.374 A (15)

= 1.848 *10-4 (1- ) (16)

Taking values of A and from Table (Appendix D), applied load (W = 150 N) will
produce an eccentricity of 0.52 with a minimum film thickness ho = 9.24 * 10-5 m.
Performance of bearing is investigated by taking from 0.1 to 0.9,corresponding values
of A and from Table (Appendix D) , and determining values of Pavg, W and ho by
using equations 14 ,15 and 16[1]. These values are tabulated in Table 3.7
3.3.1 Performance of Journal Bearing at 800 rpm
Table 3.7 Performance of Journal Bearing at 800 rpm
Pavg W ho
A
psi kPa Lb N m
0.1 0.40 0.8 2.22 15.29 5.23 23.29 1.6632*10-4
0.2 0.42 1.4 4.08 28.11 9.62 43.03 1.478*10-4
0.3 0.46 2.2 7.02 48.36 16.57 74.12 1.2936*10-4
0.4 0.47 3.2 10.43 71.86 24.16 110.13 1.1088*10-4
0.5 0.50 4.2 14.57 100.38 34.38 153.79 9.24*10-5
0.6 0.52 5.3 19.12 131.73 45.12 201.15 7.392*10-5
0.7 0.56 7.3 28.37 195.45 66.93 299.40 5.55*10-5
0.8 0.60 10.8 44.97 309.84 106.10 474.62 3.69*10-5
0.9 0.72 18.0 89.94 619.68 212.20 948.35 1.848*10-5

44
 Fig 3.7 Bearing Performance factors from table at 800 rpm
Stiffness:
Although the stiffness of the film in the journal bearing is sharply non-linear, it may be
taken as linear for small displacement about equilibrium position. Tangent is drawn to the
curve at the operating eccentricity ratio 0.52 and its slope is determined.
From Fig. 3.7

(17)

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 = (345-0) / (9.24*10-5- 1.848*10-5)
= 466090 N / M
Assuming rigid body conditions

(18)

= 27.78 cycles /sec

=1666.8 cycles /min
From above calculations it is seen that journal bearing operating at 800 rpm and 150N
load is stable up to 1666.8 rpm.
3.3.2 Performance of Journal Bearing at 900 rpm.

= 7.182 A (19)

=19.354 A (20)

= 1.848 *10-4 (1- ) (21)

Table 3.8Performance of Bearing at 900 rpm and 150 N load

Pavg Load (W ) ho
A
Psi kPa Ib N m

0.1 0.40 0.8 2.501 17.23 6.194 27.07 1.6632*10-4

0.2 0.42 1.4 4.596 31.66 11.38 50.90 1.478*10-4
0.3 0.46 2.2 7.911 54.50 19.58 87.58 1.2936*10-4
0.4 0.47 3.2 11.75 80.95 29.11 130.21 1.1088*10-4
0.5 0.50 4.2 16.41 113.06 40.65 181.84 9.24*10-5
0.6 0.52 5.3 21.54 148.41 53.54 239.50 7.392*10-5
0.7 0.56 7.3 31.95 220.13 79.13 353.97 5.55*10-5
0.8 0.60 10.8 50.65 348.97 128.43 574.51 3.69*10-5
0.9 0.72 18.0 101.31 698.02 250.86 1122.1 1.848*10-5

46
 Fig 3.8 Bearing Performance factors from table at900 rpm
Stiffness of journal bearing is determined by following equation, From Fig 3.8

= 2661527.166 N/M
Assuming rigid body conditions

= 66.40 cycles/sec
From above calculations it is seen that journal bearing operating at 900 rpm and 150N
load is stable up to 3984.05 rpm.

47
3.3.3 Performance of Bearing under consideration at 1000 rpm.

= 8.685 A (22)

= 21.51 A (23)

= 1.848 *10-4 (1- ) (24)

Table 3.9 Performance of Bearing under consideration at 1000 rpm

Pavg W ho
A
Psi kPa Ib N m
0.1 0.40 0.8 2.7792 19.08 6.8832 30.79 1.6632*10-4
0.2 0.42 1.4 5.1067 35.18 12.647 56.57 1.478*10-4
0.3 0.46 2.2 8.789 60.55 21.768 97.37 1.2936*10-4
0.4 0.47 3.2 13.06 89.98 32.35 144.71 1.1088*10-4
0.5 0.50 4.2 18.28 125.94 45.17 202.06 9.24*10-5
0.6 0.52 5.3 23.93 164.87 59.281 265.18 7.392*10-5
0.7 0.56 7.3 35.50 244.45 87.93 393.34 5.55*10-5
0.8 0.60 10.8 56.27 387.70 139.38 623.49 3.69*10-5
0.9 0.72 18.0 112.55 775.46 278.76 1246.9 1.848*10-5

48
 Fig 3.9. Bearing Performance factors from table at 1000 rpm
From Fig. 3.9

= 3138140.965 N/M
Assuming rigid body conditions

= 72.10 cycles/sec
From above calculations it is seen that journal bearing operating at 1000 rpm and 150N
load is stable up to 4326.01 rpm.

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3.4 Experimental Setup
Introduction to Journal Bearing Test Rig.[18]
The Journal Bearing Test Rig is used to demonstrate the pressure distribution in a
lubricant under load condition. It also measures frictional torque.

Timer belt assembly

Frictional force load cell

Pressure sensor

Loading lever

Base plate

Oil tank

Fig. 3.10 Journal Bearing Test Rig 60

This is a sturdy versatile machine, which facilitates study of pressure at corresponding
angular position of the pressure sensor with the load line. The JBTR equipment consists
of a vertically mounted shaft and driven by a variable speed motor. A metallic bellow
connects brass bearing at bottom and top is fixed to frictional torque load cell. Bearing
made of brass material encloses the shaft at the lower end and is immersed in an oil
sump. An rpm sensor disc is mounted on the driven pulley to measure the revolution of
the shaft per minute. A stepper motor moves the bearing in the direction of the rotation of
the shaft unto 180o in steps of 9o. A pressure sensor is fixed on the bearing, which

50
measures the film pressure distributed in the oil film. Radial load is applied by dead
weights through a lever mechanism. The assembly of the shaft and the bearing is
immersed in oil so as to provide continuous lubrication at all times. The equipment is
connected to the controller, which displays the values of the angular position of pressure
sensor with reference to the load line and the corresponding pressure values. Normal
load, rotational speed can be varied to suit the test conditions. Frictional torque value can
also be displayed on the controller. Data obtained are transmitted to PC through data
acquisition cable.
The JBTR Equipment consists of Journal assembly, Bearing assembly, Loading
assembly, Lubrication system, Sensors, Controller, Data Acquisition software and cables.
Journal assembly:
Journal is housed in spindle housing supported on bearings. Spindle housing is fixed
firmly to base plate Journal is rotated by a AC motor through pulley arrangement. On top
of the spindle an rpm sensor disc is mounted to measure speed.
Bearing assembly:
Diameter and length of the brass bearing is made equal to get ratio L/D = 1. A narrow
orifice inside bearing lets oil into pressure sensor mounted area. Bearing is `mounted on
bottom of a metallic bellow and on top of bellow a frictional torque load cell is mounted.
Load cell unit is mounted on to indexing pulley. Indexing pulley is driven by stepper
motor (Fig 3.10). Angular range for stepper motor is set unto 180o, in steps of 9o.
Loading assembly:
A lever arrangement is provided with a lever ratio of 1:5. To one end of the lever a
loading pan is attached on which the weights can be placed in the range of 150N to 750N.
To the other end is mounted a ball bearing through which the load is applied to the brass
bearing. Lever is pivoted to get 1:5 loading ratio.
Lubrication system:
An oil filling arrangement is provided on the top of base plate to gravity feed the brass
bearing by means of a flexible tube before start of test to remove any trapped air. An oil
sump is provided to ensure continuous lubrication for the journal bearing (Fig3.10). The
oil sump is placed on bottom base plat, which is fixed on to the supporting structure.

51
Sensors:
Pressure sensor: A calibrated pressure sensor to measure unto 1000psi is fixed to the
bearing to measure pressure at various points around the journal (Fig. 3.10). Output is
100mv for 1000 psi.
Proximity sensor: A sensor disc rotates with spindle at the top and a proximity sensor is
fixed on base plate near it to measure the rpm of the journal
Frictional torque load cell: Frictional torque is measured by load cell mounted below
the indexing plate. During indexing the load cell also moves along. Torque increases
with increase in rpm.
Controller:
Test parameter such as disc speed can be set with the front panel settings on the
controller. The load is applied by dead weights through loading lever assembly. The
pressure and Torque readings are displayed along with indexing angle during test.
Pressure and Angle readings are processed and serially transmitted through data
acquisition cable.
The front panel of controller has:
Power ON : Switches ON cotroller
Pressure : Display pressure value in psi
Frictional torque : Display frictional torque value in Nmm
Angle : Display position of pressure switch in degrees
Speed : Display speed on journal in rpm
Test start : Starting of stepper motor
Motor start stop : Motor switch ON & OFF
Zero buttons : Initialize pressure and frictional torque value to zero.
The back panel has :
Ports for signal input cable & data acquisition cable MS connector for control cable and
fuse .
Data acquisition software includes
i. Data acquisition cable.
ii. One CD containing Winducom 2004 software

52
Specifications of Experimental set up.
Journal Bearing test rig was used for experimentation. Refer Appendix G for
specifications.
3.4.1Experimental pressure distribution at synchronous speed
Bearing under consideration discussed in section 3.1 From theoretical calculations of
synchronous whirl for 800 rpm and 150 N load the stability speed is 1666 rpm, at this
speed the experimental analysis is carried out to plot the pressure distribution . From the
plot we can see that the pressure distribution is normal and regular up to this speed of
1666 rpm. i.e. the bearing is stable up to 1666 rpm. If the pressure distribution is not
normal it means that bearing is operating above the stability speed.

Graph 3.1 Pressure distributions at 1666 rpm and 150 N load.

53
 3.4.2 Theoretical pressure distribution at 1666 rpm and 150 N

Fig. 3.11 Pressure Distribution plot for 1666 rpm and 150N (Theoretical)
Experimental pressure distribution on Journal bearing test rig for bearing under
consideration (Graph 3.1) shows that maximum pressure is 52 Psi at 82.5 degrees (172.5
degrees in graph as plot starts from 90 degrees). This is in good agreement with the
theoretical value of maximum pressure. So we can conclude that the bearing is stable up to
the speed of 1666 rpm.
From theoretical calculations of synchronous whirl for 900 rpm and 150 N load the
stability speed is 3984.05 rpm, at this speed the experimental analysis on set up is not
possible as maximum operating speed of set up is limited to 2000 rpm. Similarly for 1000
rpm and 150 N load the experimental analysis on available set up is not possible.

54