Researches on Friction Performance of Water-Lubricated Polymer Composite Journal Bearings Based on Experiments

A composite which is PTFE as a matrix with PEEK and carbon fiber as fillers is developed to fabricate the bush of water-lubricated journal bearings. The bush is fabricated with a new structure that a relatively large straight groove is opened in its upper part. A water-lubricated journal bearing made up of the bush and a steel sleeve is studied using purposed-built test rig. It is shown that the test bearing operates under hydrodynamic lubrication for almost all of the given conditions. The composite developed in the work is a promising material for water-lubricated journal bearings, and the new structure can be well used in water-lubricated journal bearings.