Introduction

A bearing is a machine element which support

another moving machine element (known as journal).
It permits a relative motion between the contact
surfaces of the members, while carrying the load.
In order to reduce frictional resistance and wear
and in some cases to carry away the heat
generated, a layer of fluid (known as lubricant)
may be provided

The lubricant used to separate the journal

and
bearing is usually a mineral oil refined from
petroleum, vegetable oils, silicon oils, greases
etc.,
Classification of Bearings
 Inrolling contact bearings, as shown in Fig. (b), the steel balls or rollers, are
inserted between the moving and fixed elements. The balls offer rolling friction at
two points for each ball or roller.
 FUNCTIONS OF A BEARING
 The bearing ensure free rotation of the shaft or axle
with minimum friction
 The bearings support the shaft or the axle and holds it
in correct position
 The bearing takes up the forces that act on the shaft
or axle and transmits them to the frame or the
foundation
Classification of the sliding contact bearing

Radial Bearing

Axial load bearing

Combined load
bearing
 Bearing Classification

When the angle of the diameters of the

When the angle of
contact of the bearing journal and bearing
contact of the bearing
with the journal is 360° are equal, then the
with the journal is 120°,
as shown in (a), then bearing is called a
as shown in Figb),( then
the bearing is called a fitted bearing, as
the bearing is said to be
ull journal bearing. shown in Fig. (c).
partial journal bearing.
According to the thickness of layer of the lubricant between the
bearing and the journal
2 (a) Thick film lubrication

Fig1.4(a) Thick film lubrication

Thick film lubrication – As in Fig.1.4 (a) the surfaces are separated by

thick film of lubricant and there will not be any metal-to-metal
contact. The film thickness is anywhere from 8 to 20 μm. Typical values
of coefficient of friction are 0.002 to 0.010. Hydrodynamic lubrication
is coming under this category. Wear is the minimum in this case.
2(b) Thin film lubrication

Fig.1.4(b) Thin film lubrication

• Here even though the surfaces are separated by thin film of lubricant,
at some high spots Metal-to-metal contact does exist , Fig.1.4 (b).
Because of this intermittent contacts, it also known as mixed film
lubrication. Surface wear is mild.

• The coefficient of friction commonly ranges from 0.004 to 0.10.

2(c).Boundary lubrication

Fig.1.4(c) Boundary lubrication

• Here the surface contact is continuous and extensive as

Shown in Fig.1.4(c). The lubricant is continuously smeared
over the surfaces and provides a continuously renewed
adsorbed surface film which reduces the friction and wear.
• The typical coefficient of friction is 0.05 to 0.20
Properties of Sliding Contact Bearing Materials

Compressive strength
Fatigue strength
Comformability
Embeddability
Bondability
Corrosion resistance
Thermal conductivity
Thermal expansion
Materials used for Sliding Contact Bearings

Babbit metal
Tin base babbits : Tin 90% ; Copper 4.5% ; Antimony 5% ; Lead 0.5%.
Lead base babbits : Lead 84% ; Tin 6% ; Anitmony 9.5% ; Copper 0.5%.

Bronzes.
Thegun metal (Copper 88% ; Tin 10% ; Zinc 2%) is used for high grade bearings subjected to high pressures (not
more than 10 N/mm2 of projected area) and high speeds.

Thephosphor bronze (Copper 80% ; Tin 10% ; Lead 9% ; Phosphorus 1%) is used for bearings subjected to very high
pressures (not more than 14 N/mm2 of projected area) and speeds.

Cast iron. The cast iron bearings are usually used with steel journals. Such type of bearings are fairly successful
where lubrication is adequate and the pressure is limited to 3.5 N/mm2 and speed
to 40 metres per minute.

Silver. The silver and silver lead bearings are mostly used in aircraft engines where the fatigue strength is the
most important consideration.

Non-metallic bearings. The various non-metallic bearings are made of carbon-graphite, rubber, wood and plastics.
The carbon-graphite bearings are self lubricating, dimensionally stable over a wide range of operating conditions,
The load
supporting
pressure in
hydrodynamic
bearings
Hydro dynamic Bearing Design
Radial load bearings -Basic terms
Terms used in Hydrodynamic
Journal Bearing
Terms used in Hydrodynamic Journal Bearing
 Bearing Characteristic Number
for Journal Bearings

The factorZN / p is termed as bearing characteristic number and is a

dimensionless number.
The variation of coefficient of friction with the operating values of bearing
characteristic number ZN
( / p) as obtained by McKee brothers
Bearing Modulus for Journal Bearings
 Coefficient of Friction for Journal Bearings
By McKee

By Petroff’s equation or Petroff's

law

The Petroff’s equation and McKee's equations are employed for lightly loaded
bearings.
Sommerfeld Number

The Sommerfeld number is also a dimensionless parameter used extensively in

the design of journal bearings , Mathematically

Critical Pressure of the Journal Bearing

Heat Generated in a Journal Bearing

Heat Dissipated in a Journal Bearing

 The average values ofC (in W/m2/°C), for journal bearings may be taken
as follows :

Mass of lubricating oil required for artificial cooling

The mass of the oil to remove the heat generated at the bearing may be
obtained by equating the heat generated to the heat taken away by the oil. We
know that the heat taken away by the oil,
Unit Conversion
DESIGN STEPS FOR HYDRODYNAMIC JOURNAL
BEARING
1. Calculate the diameter of journal (d) from power, torque and stress
relationships such as

C / d = 0.001
Problem: 1
Problem: 2
Problem: 3