Chapter 12

Lubrication &
Journal bearings
(7 - 8 Lectures)
 TOPICS
1. Definitions and Objectives
2.          Types of Lubrication
3. Dynamic Viscosity
4. Bearing Characteristic Number
5. Stable & Unstable Lubrication
6. Hydrodynamic Lubrication
7. Design Considerations
8. Heat Balance-Self-Contained Bearings
9. Clearance
10. Pressure-Fed Bearings
11. Loads and Materials
12 Boundary lubrication
13. Types of Journal Bearings
 Announcements

• HWK 3 Due Wed. 15/11

• Quiz 3 on Monday 13/11 Ch 14
 Definitions and objectives
• The role of a bearing is to provide relative positioning
and rotational freedom while transmitting a load
between a shaft and a housing.  

• There are two general types of bearings:

• Rolling-contact bearings (anti-friction bearings, rolling
bearings). In the rolling-contact bearings the load is
transmitted by rolling rather than by sliding.
• Journal Bearings (plain bearings, bushings, sleeve
bearings). In journal bearings, the load is transmitted by
sliding and the problem of this class of bearings is
essentially a lubrication problem.
 Definitions and objectives

• Journal Bearings: cylindrical or semi-

cylindrical bushing made of a suitable material.
– The Journal is the part of shaft or gear in bearing
• Among applications:
1. High speed, high temperature, high varying loads:
• Automotive engines: connecting rod, crankshaft,…Metal alloys
• Turbo machinery: Metal alloys
2. Light loads, low speeds with little or no lubrication:
• Nylon, Teflon, rubber
 Types of Lubrication

1. Hydrostatic
Low speed, light load
4. Elastohydrodynamic
For rolling contact
(gears, rolling bearings)
6. Solid Film
Extreme Temperatures
(Graphite or Molybdenum disulfide))
Types of Lubrication
• Hydrodynamic Lubrication
(HDL)
(a) Full, thick Fluid film lubrication - surfaces
separated by bulk lubricant film; Film
conditions required for lubrication.
2. Boundary (Thin Film)Lubrication
(b) partial lubrication (mixed) - both bulk
lubricant and boundary film play a role; (c)
boundary lubrication - performance depends
essentially on boundary film
 Viscosity
Shear Stress
F du
τ = =µ
A dy
µ is absolute or dynamic viscosity
(lbf.s/in2 or reyn. In ips system and
c= Pa.s in SI system)

du/dy   is the rate of shear or velocity

gradient
Fig. 12.1
If rate of shear is constant: du/dy = U/h 
With h= c (clearance)

F U U
τ = =µ =µ
A h c
 Viscosity v.s. temperature
In general, Viscosity decreases with temperature increase.
The increase in temperature comes from friction
 Petroff’s Law
Petroff used a concentric shaft to define a group of dimensionless parameters
That allow the prediction of an acceptable coefficient of friction.
U 2π rN
τ= µ =µ
c c
Shear torque in lubricant
Ts = (τA) r ; A = 2π rl
4π 2
µ r 3
lN
Ts = 2π (τ ) r 2 l =
c
Friction torque
W
T f = fWr = f (2 r lP )r ; P=
2rl
2  µN  r 
T f = Ts ⇒ f = 2π   

 P  c 
r/c = clearance ratio
 µN  r 2
Bearing Characteristic Number (Sommerfeld Number) S =  
 c 
 P 

f  r  = 2π 2S
c
 Stable and unstable lubrication
The McKee Brothers Plot
(a) Full, thick Fluid film
b lubrication - surfaces
c separated by bulk lubricant
film; Film conditions required
for lubrication.
a (b) partial lubrication (mixed) -
1’ both bulk lubricant and
f = 0.001-0.005 boundary film play a role;
2’ Similar to precision BB
(c) boundary lubrication -
performance depends
1 essentially on boundary film
2
0.08-0.14 • Boundary lubrication should
For steel on
be expected for slow speeds:
Bronze
U<10 ft/min (0.05 m/s)
Hydrodynamic Lubrication (HDL)

• For lubricated bearing

the minimum film
thickness h0 occurs to
the left of load line
because the shaft is
pushed by the pressure
build up on the right.
The shaft is playing the
role of a pump.
 Hydrodynamic Lubrication (HDL)
Nomenclature
Fig. 12.6

• e: eccentricity
• h0 minimum film thickness
∀ ε = e/c = eccentricity
ratio
• ß bearing angular length
Hydrodynamic Lubrication (HDL)-Theory
B. Tower

• Tower investigated bath-

type lubrication in 157°
partial bearing. He was able
to determine the pressure
distribution in oil film in
axial and radial directions.
• Reynolds used Tower’s
findings to propose a
relationship between
friction, pressure and
velocity. His work is given
under mathematical form in
the following.
 Hydrodynamic Lubrication (HDL): theory
O. Reynolds

• Assuming pressure varies in x-direction only (no leakage)

• Assuming Velocity varies in x & y directions
 dp   ∂τ 
ΣFx = p + dx dydz − pdydz +τdxdz − τ + dx dxdz = 0
 dx  
 ∂y 
 dp  ∂τ
 = (1)
 dx 
  ∂y
 Hydrodynamic Lubrication (HDL): theory
• Assuming Newtonian viscous fluid + u = u(x,y)
∂u
τ =µ (2)
∂y
• Assuming Constant viscosity and substituting Eq. (1) into (2):
dp = µ ∂ 2u or ∂ 2u = 1 dp (3)
dx ∂y 2
∂y µ dx
2

• Integrating (3) twice (holding x constant):

1 dp 2
u= y + C1 y + C2 (4)
2µ dx
• Assuming no slip at boundaries:
u =0 @ y = 0 ⇒ C2 = 0
U h dp 
u =U @ y =h ⇒ ⇓ C1 =  −  (5)
 h
 2µ dx 
 Hydrodynamic Lubrication (HDL): theory
• The velocity distribution in film is:
u=
1 dp
(y 2
)
−hy −
U
y (6)
2µdx h
• Flow rate:
Uh h 3 dp
Q =∫ udy
h
= − (7)
0
2 12µ dx
• Incompressible flow:
dQ
=0 (8 − a)
dx
 3 
d h dp  dh
 = 6U (12 −10)
dx  µ dx  dx

 
The above is the Reynolds Eq. For one-dimensional flow.
Considering Leakage (2-D): ∂  h3 ∂p  ∂  h3 ∂p  dh
  +   = 6U (12 −11)
∂x µ ∂x



 ∂z µ ∂z



 dx
   
Hydrodynamic Lubrication (HDL):Theory
• There are no general analytical solutions to
the 2-D Reynolds Equation.
• The Summerfeld Solution to Eq. 12-11

r  r 2
  µN 

f =φ     (12 −12)
c  c 
 P 

 Design Considerations
Two groups of variables in the design of sliding bearings (eq:12.12)

A- The independent variables:

• The viscosity µ,
• The load per unit of projected bearing area, P The speed N
• The bearing dimensions r, c, β and l

B- The dependent Variables or performance factors:

• The coefficient of friction f
• The temperature rise ∆T
• The volume flow rate of oil Q
• The minimum film thickness ho

The first (A) are somewhat under designer control and

the second (B) are not.
Design Criteria for Journal Bearings (See Lab Manual for details)
• The value of the important parameter l/d is taken
between 0.25 and 1.5. Values up to 2 were used in
earlier designs. Nowadays the value of l/d is confined
between 0.25 and 0.75. Short bearings are preferred
when shaft deflections and misalignments are
expected.
• The nominal value of clearance ratio r/c can be taken
approximately as:
• 1000 for precision bearings when 25<d<150 mm
• 500 for general machinery
• 250 for rough machinery
The choice of the values of r/c depends on the tolerances and
surface roughness of shaft and bearing.
Design Criteria for Journal Bearings (See Lab Manual for 
details)

3. The minimum film thickness h0 can be estimated

from one of these equations (Trumpler’s design
criteria): h0 ≥ 0.0002 + 0.00004d (in)
h0 = 0.00025d (in) or h ≥ 0.005 + 0.0004d
0 (mm)
• The outlet temperature of the oil should be kept
below 250°F (121°C). A value of 70°C (160°F)
is usually specified as the average operating
temperature
• Starting unit load Pst=Wst/ld is kept below 300 psi
• Design factor on starting load should be at least 2.
Relationship between variables

Viscosity Charts
In IPS units
Relationship between variables

Viscosity Charts
In SI Units
Relationship between variables

Viscosity Charts
Relationship between variables
Minimum Film Thickness &
Eccentricity ratio Chart

Optimal design
Zone
Relationship between variables
Minimum Film Thickness
Angular position vs. S
Relationship between variables
Coefficient of friction variable vs. S
Relationship between variables
Flow variable vs. S
 Relationship between variables
Maximum pressure ratio vs. S
 Relationship between variables
Terminating Position of film pressure & maximum film pressure vs. S
 Relationship between variables
Lubricant Temperature rise ∆T

Taking T1 as reference temperature:

∆T 
 1 Qs 
H loss = ρ C p Qs + ρ Cp Q −Qs ∆T = ρ C p Q∆T 1−



  (a )
2 
 2 Q 

The heat loss due to friction 2πTN 4π Pr lNc fr
H loss = = (b)
J J c
JρC p ∆T fr / c
= (c)
Equating (a) to (b) 4πP (1 − 0.5Qs / Q )[Q / ( rcNl )]
With ρ = 0.0311 lbm/in3 &
Cp = 0.42 Btu/lbm.°F 9.70∆TF fr / c
= (12 −15)
for petroleum lubricants
and J=9336 lbf.in/Btu
Ppsi (1 − 0.5Qs / Q )[Q / ( rcNl )]
 Relationship between variables
Lubricant Temperature rise vs. S
 Sample problems on HDL
The analysis problems are of two general categories:
• When the viscosity is specified as in example 12-
1 through 12-4 of 7th ed. The solution is straight
forward.

2) The problem becomes more complex when only the

lubricant inlet temperature is specified. To solve
this type of problem an iterative procedure has to
be followed. An example of the procedure is
given in the following.
 Problem # 12-12 (Modified)
A 2-1/2 x2-1/2-in sleeve bearing uses grade 20 lubricant. The axial-
groove sump has an inlet temperature of 110° F. The shaft journal
has a diameter of 2.500 in and the radial clearance is 0.002 in. lf
journal speed is 1120 rev/min and the radial load is 1200 Ibf.
Estimate
(a) The magnitude and location of the minimum oil-film thickness.
(b) The eccentricity.
(c) The coefficient of friction.
(d) The power loss rate.
(e) Both the total and side oil-flow rates.
(f) The maximum oil-film pressure and its angular location.
(g) The terminating position of the oil film.
(h) The average temperature of the side flow.
(i) The oil temperature at the terminating position of the oil film.
 Problem # 12-12
• Given: d = 2.5 in, b = 2.504 in, cmin = 0.002 in, W
= 1200 lbf, SAE = 20, T1 = 110°F,N = 1120 rev/min,
and l = 2.5 in.
• Required (see list)
• Solution: to find any of these performance
factors we need to have the bearing
characteristic
r 
2 µ N
number:
 1.25 
2 18 .67
S.
µ 18.67 µ
S = 

av = 
 

av =( 625)2 av = 3.8 ×104 µav
c  P  .002  1200 192
2.5 ×2.5

• To find average viscosity (From Fig. 12-11; 12) we =T1 + ∆T

T fneed 2
to have the average operating film temperature Tf (Eq.
12-14):
Procedure: (good for IPS and SI system)
• For a first trial assume ∆T = (General) 20 – 80 °F
(10-50°C)
 Problem # 12-12
• Find µav = 3.8 µreyn (From Fig. 12-11; 12) using Tf = 130°F
• Calculate S = 3.8x104x3.8x10-6 = 0.144
• ∆TF or ∆TC using 12-18 or Fig 12-23; 24 with
Calculate
9.70 ∆T o
S=0.144 and l/d =1 = 1.3 ⇒ ∆TF = 192 ×1.3 / 9.70 = 25.7 F
F

Ppsi

• Recalculate Tfcal = 110+25.7/2≅122.85 °F

• Compare Tfcal to Tfassum if |difference| less than 6 °F or 3 °C
Recalculate, For our case Tfassum -Tfcal = 130-122.85= 7.15 >6 °F
need to re-iterate:
1’ assume ∆T =30 °F
2’ Tf = 125°F 5’ ∆TF ≅ 27 °F
3’ µav ≅ 4.3 µreyn 6’ Tfcal = 110+27/2≅123.5°F
4’ S ≅ 0.163 7’ Tfassum -Tfcal = 125-
123.5=1.5<6 °F ACCEPT: Tf = 125°F or Tf =
(125+123.5)/2= 124.25 °F
 Problem # 12-12
µav = 4.3 µreyn (From Fig. 12-11 for oF; 12 for oC)
using Tf = 125°F yielding S=0.163
• Using Fig 12-16 with S=0.163 and l/d =1
h0/c = 0.49 ⇒ h0 = 0.0098 in
Using Fig 12-17 ⇒φ = 56 °
• e= c- h0 =.002-.00098 = 0.001in. or using
Fig. 12-16 ⇒ ε =e/c = 0.5 ⇒ e = 0.001 in.
• f :Fig 12-18 ⇒ (r/c)f= 4
f= 4/625=0.0064
d) Power loss: H=(2πTN)/(778x12)= (2π
fWrN)/778x12=
H = 0.121 Btu/s =436 Btu/hr
H = 126 j/s=453 KJ/hr
 Problem # 12-12
e) Using Fig 12-19 with S=0.163 and l/d =1
⇒ Q/rcNl = 4.15 ⇒ Q =
4.15x1.25x0.002x18.67x2.5=0.48 in3/s
Using Fig 12- 20 ⇒ Qs/Q=0.61⇒Qs = 0.29 in3/s
f) Using Fig 12-21 ⇒ P/Pmax = 0.44 ⇒ Pmax =
192/0.44=436 psig
• Using Fig 12-22 ⇒ θ Pmax = 18° & θp0 = 82°
• See part (a) Tav = 125°F

• T2= 110+30=140 °F

NOTE: In cases where l/d curve is not available the interpolation

equation (12-15; 16)
may be used when necessary.
 Sample problem on Design of HDL Journal
Bearings (to be solved during help session)
• Design a journal bearing to carry a radial load of
1500 lb while the shaft rotates at 850 rpm. The
shaft stress analysis determines that the minimum
acceptable diameter at the journal is 2.10 in.

• The shaft is part of a machine requiring good

precision.
• Power loss in the bearing should not exceed 1%
of the 15 hp driving power.
 Procedures for design of oil lubricated journal
bearings

• A- Full-film (Hydrodynamic) Lubrication
• Step1: Often, the shaft diameter at the bearing is
determined by strength and deflection analyses. If the
shaft diameter is not known Table 12-5 or Table 28-
8 of the Standard Handbook of Machine Design can
be utilized to get a rough estimate of the unit load
P=W/ld (with W being the applied load). This value
is combined with the value of l/d (ratio of bearing
length to bearing diameter), determined in the next
step, to find the dimensions of the bearing.
 Procedures for design of oil lubricated journal
bearings

• Step2: The value of the important parameter

l/d is taken between 0.25 and 1.5. Values up
to 2 were used in earlier designs. Nowadays
the value of l/d is confined between 0.25 and
0.75. Short bearings are preferred when shaft
deflections and misalignments are expected.
• Step3: The minimum film thickness h0 can be
estimated from one of these equations:
h0 = 0.00025d (in) h0 ≥ 0.0002 + 0.00004d (in)
h0 ≥ 0.005 + 0.0004d (mm)
 Procedures for design of oil lubricated journal
bearings

Step4: The nominal value of clearance ratio r/c (r =

bearing radius and c = clearance) can be taken
approximately as:
1000 for precision bearings when 25<d<150 mm
500 for general machinery
250 for rough machinery
The choice of the values of r/c depends on the
tolerances and surface roughness of shaft and
bearing. This guideline when combined with the
results of steps 1 and 2 will allow you to get the
nominal value of c.
 Procedures for design of oil lubricated journal
bearings

• Step5: Now the bearing characteristic number (S =

Sommerfeld number) can be determined from the
chart of Fig. 12.164 .
• Step6: Next, the viscosity µ of the oil is determined
using: 2
c P
µ = S 
r N
Where:
P (unit load) = W/ld, with W being the applied load.
N = speed in revolutions per second.
 Procedures for design of oil lubricated journal
bearings
• Step7: The outlet temperature of the oil should be kept
between 200°F (93°C) and 250°F (121°C). A value of 70°C
(160°F) is usually specified as the average operating
temperature [2, 9, 18-20]. The chart of Fig 12-11 or 12-12
[3,4]) can be entered to select an oil grade. If the selected
lubricant has a viscosity higher than the value computed in
step 6, recalculate S and find the new h0.
• Step8: Now, find the friction coefficient from Fig. 12-17. The
friction coefficient should be kept as low as possible consistent
with h0 (i.e. in the optimum zone between the minimum
friction line and the maximum load line in Fig. 12.14 [3,4]. As
a general rule friction coefficients below 0.01 are acceptable
(see Table 28-1 of the Standard Handbook of Machine Design
[5]).
 Procedures for design of oil lubricated journal
bearings

• Step9: Power loss due to friction can be calculated

from: fWrN
H= (hp)
• 1050
• Its value can be compared to the input power to take a
decision concerning f and h0.
• Step10: Select a suitable bearing material from Table
12-5 [3,4] or from Tables 28-2 to 28-4 of the
Handbook [5]. Unit load, maximum operating
temperature and conditions should be used as criteria
for material selection.
• Step11: Write a summary of your design results.
 Self-Contained Bearings
Pillow-blocks or pedestal bearings are used for:
•Fans,
•Blowers
•Pumps and small motors

Examples of Pillow-blocks with

Polymer Bearings

Ring oiled bearing

 Self-Contained Bearings
Two general types of lubrication: 1) Oil-Ring and 2) Oil Bath
Since the warm lubricant stays within the bearing housing; it should
be designed such that the heat generated by friction is dissipated.

As seen above the heat generated (in Btu/s) by friction can be estimated:
2πTN 4π Pr lNc fr
H gen = = (b)
J J c
Where J= 9336 in.lbf/Btu
fWrN
Or in (hp) H gen = (in hp)
1050
The heat to be dissipated & surface temperature of housing are respectively:
A
H loss = (T f −T∞) (12 −17a;19a) See Eq. 12-18 for ħCR
CR

1+α and Table 12-2 for α

T +αT∞
Tb = f (12 −17b;19b)
1+α
Tf is the average film temperature which is unknown and found by
trial and error to satisfy Hgen=Hloss as in the following example.
See also (Eq. 12-20) for Tf
Example on self-contained bearings
Example on self-contained bearings
Example on self-contained bearings
 Clearance
Among the independent variables under designer’s control, clearance is the
most difficult to hold accurate during manufacture and It may also increase
during service because of wear.
When selecting a clearance for a JB a number of performance variables
and expected in service wear should be taken into account.

Bearing Noisy+
h0 decreases
 Clearance
Table 12-3: Max., Min. & Average Clearances for 1.5 in. dia. JB based on fit
 Clearance
Temperature limits for mineral oils

O2 insignificant

Oils with antioxidants + O2 supply unlimited

 Pressure-Fed Bearings
•At high bearing loads and high
temperature: turbo machinery,
car engines, ESP, ….
•Lubricant is supplied at supply
pressure Ps through supply hole
drilled opposite to load bearing
area side.
 Pressure-Fed Bearings
Unit load
W /2 W
P= = (12 −23)
2rl ' 4rl '
l '−w 
l ' =
 

 2 
Velocity Profile

w
ps 
u= c
2
−4 y 2  (12 − 21)
8µl '  
 Pressure-Fed Bearings
Centrally located full annular groove

Example of pressure-fed
Grooved bearings

Circumferential groove axial pressure distribution

 Pressure-Fed Bearings
Natural circulation of oil Pressure-Fed lubricant

1 dp  2 U ps  2
 y − hy  −  c −4 y 
2
Velocity u= y (6) u=  (12 − 21)
2µ dx   h 8µl '  

ps c 2
umax =
8µl '

πp rc
(1+1.5ε )
3
Side-Flow Qs from Fig. 12-19; 20
Qs = s 2
(12 − 22)
3µl '
Unit load W
P= W /2 W
2rl P= = (12 − 23)
2rl ' 4rl '

Temperature rise
∆T from Fig. 12-23; 24
Use charts with l/d
0.0123( fr / c ) S W 2
∆TF = (12 − 28)
(1 +1.5ε 2 ) ps r 4
978(106 )( fr / c ) S W 2
∆TC = (12 − 29)
(1 +1.5ε 2 ) ps r 4
Use charts with l’/d
 Example on Pressure-Fed Bearings
Problem 12-34; 16 (modified)

• An eight-cylinder diesel engine has a front

main bearing with diameter 3.5 in. and length
2 in. The bearing has a central annular oil
groove 0.250 in. wide. It is pressure-lubricated
with SAE 30 oil at an inlet temperature of
180°F and at a supply pressure of 50 psi.
Corresponding to a radial clearance of 0.0025
in, a speed of 2800 rev/min, and a radial load
of 4600 lb, find the temperature rise and the
minimum oil-film thickness.
 Problem # 12-34; 16 (modified)
• Given: d = 3.5 in, l = 2.0 in, Ps = 50 psi, w = 0.25
in; cmin = 0.0025 in, W = 4600 lbf, SAE = 20, T1 =
180°F; N = 2800 rpm
• Required: ∆TF, h0, Pmax, θ Pmax & θp0

• Solution: Use Eq. 12-28 to compute ∆TF

0.0123( fr / c ) S W 2
∆TF = (12 − 28)
(1 +1.5ε 2 ) ps r 4
r 1.75
= =700
c 0.0025
l −w
l'= =0.875 in
2
W 4600
P= = =751 psi
4rl ' 4 ×1.75 ×0.875
2800
2µ N
r 
S =  av = ( 700)2 60 µav =3.045 ×104 µav
c  P 751
 Problem # 12-34; 16
• For a first trial assume ∆T = 30 °F
2. Tf = 180+30/2 = 195 °F
• Find µav = 1.4 µreyn (From Fig. 12-11; 12) using Tf =
195°F
• Calculate S = 0.0426
• Use S = 0.0426 and l’/d = ¼ to find ε = 0.93 from Fig. 12-
15; 16 & (r/c)f = 2.2 from Fig. 12-17; 182
• Calculate ∆TF∆T = 0.0123(2.2) 0.0426× 4600 = 22.64°F
F
(1+1.5×0.93 )50×1.75
2 4

• Recalculate Tfcal = 180+22.64/2≅191.3 °F

• Compare Tfcal to Tfassum if |difference| >6 °F Recalculate, For
our case
Tfassum -Tfcal = 195-191.3= 3.7 <6 °F
ACCEPT: ∆T = 30 °F
 Problem # 12-34; 16
• Using Fig 12-14; 16 with S=0.0426 and l/d =1/4
h0/c = 0.07 ⇒ h0 = 0.000175 in
Trumpler’s Criteria satisfied?
• h0 ≥ 0.0002+0.00004(3.5)=0.00034 in not
satisfied?
• Tmax = Ts+ ∆T= 180+22.64=202.64 °F <250
°F OK
• Pst = 751 psig <350 psi not satisfied?

• Using Fig 12-20; 21 ⇒ P/Pmax = 0.16 ⇒ Pmax =

751/0.16=4694 psig
• Using Fig 12-21; 22 ⇒ θ Pmax = 8° & θp0 = 24°
JOURNAL BEARING LOADS & MATERIALS
A- Loads: Typical values of unit load P
 JOURNAL BEARING LOADS & MATERIALS
B- Materials: To minimize wear of journal bearings, Metallic
Materials (Table 12-5 for Hydrodynamic Lubrication and 12-6
for Boundary Lubrication) are selected for:
1. Mechanical Properties
• Conformability: to compensate for small shaft misalignments
and deflections (i.e. Low E and yield: Lead base Babbit=90%
Pb + 10% Cu)
∀ • Embeddability: to allow foreign particles to become
embedded into the bearing which prevents scratching of shaft
and sleeve (Tin base and Lead base Babbit)
∀ • High Fatigue Strength: to support the compressive cyclic
loading (Trimetal, Silver, Steel base, Solid Brass…)
 JOURNAL BEARING MATERIALS
2. Thermal Properties
• High Thermal Conductivity: to remove heat rapidly from the
bearing (Ag, Cu, Pb).
• Thermal Coefficient of Expansion not too different from that
of casing and shaft.
3. Metallurgical Properties
• Compatibility: to avoid fusing under heat and contact
dissimilar materials (Mainly not same melting point) for shaft
and bearing are more compatible than similar materials.
4. Chemical Properties
• Corrosion Resistant: to resist corrosion by lubricant
improvement additives (Sn, Al, Ag...).

Non-Metallic Materials (Table 12-6) such as Wood, Rubber, Carbon

Graphite, Derlin, Teflon, Nylon… Most have low thermal
conductivity.
JOURNAL BEARING MATERIALS
 Boundary (thin-film)-Lubrication
• In certain applications boundary lubrication should be
designed for (see your lab manual for the procedure of
boundary lubrication design).
• Boundary lubrication should be expected for slow speeds (start
ups and shut downs) : U<10 ft/min (0.05 m/s)..
• In boundary lubrication the bearing performance depends
essentially on boundary film.
• The coefficient of friction is reduced by using animal and
vegetable oils containing fatty acids that stick to metal
surfaces.
Materials for Boundary (thin-film, boundary friction, oilite, oiles and
bushed pins)-Lubrication
To minimize metal-to-metal contact in boundary lubrication:
•Mix animal or vegetable oils with lubricant
•Use porous metallic materials (Table)
•Use non-metallic materials
•Use indented bearings

Table 12-8
 Sample problem on Design of Boundary-Lubricated
Journal Bearings

• Design a boundary lubricated plain-surface

bearing to carry a radial load of 2.5 kN from a
shaft rotating at 1150 rpm. The nominal minimum
diameter of journal is 75 mm.
Given: Boundary lubricated JB. W=2.5 kN; n= 1150 rpm;
d = 75 mm
• Solution: (see class work)
Types of Radial Journal Bearings
(Plain Bearings, sleeves)

Radial
Thrust Journal Bearing

Thrust
Journal Bearings
 Types of bearings

Plain Bearings Self-lubricated Journal Bearings

Journal Bearings Bushes Polymer Bearings

Types of Bearings

Radial Journal Bearings for Pinion

Shaft in Gear Box for GE Turbine
Types of Bearings

• Housing for Gear Box

showing Radial Journal
Bearing Supports
Types of Bearings

Radial Journal Bearings for Pinion

Shaft in Gear Box for GE Turbine
Types of Radial Journal Bearings
Types of Radial Journal Bearings
Types of Radial Journal Bearings

Typical Groove Patterns

Thrust Journal Bearing
Thrust Journal Bearing
• Thrust Bearing for GE
Turbine Shaft