On prediction and experimental assessment of engine-bearing performance

Abstract Semi-analytical methods of predicting journal loci and dynamic oil film pressures in engine bearings are discussed and methods are described, utilizing simplifying features in the solution of the Reynolds equation. These are similar to, but more accurate than, the analytic short- or long-bearing solutions and it is shown that the results predicted by computer programs based on these new methods agree well with the results given by more ‘exact’ methods. Comparisons of journal-centre orbits and of oil film pressures with results taken from test rigs and from an operating engine are given.