Journal Bearing Operation at Low Sommerfeld Numbers

Tests were conducted to determine experimentally the conditions under which the transition from full hydrodynamic film to boundary lubrication occurs in journal bearings. These tests were made with a two-groove sleeve type and a tilting-pad type journal bearing, both for a 13-inch diameter shaft. Theoretical considerations indicated transition at lower Sommerfeld numbers for a particular tilting pad arrangement as compared to the sleeve bearing. Experimental confirmation of this was found. Additional tests in the boundary lubrication area indicated general limits for loading here, also. Presented at the 30th Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, May 5–8, 1975