Experimental Investigation on Axial Groove Water Lubricated Journal Bearing

An experimental arrangement has been developed to test the performance of water lubricated journal bearings. These are frequently used as stern tube bearing for fishing trawlers. The test bearing is manufactured with nitrile rubber material attached to a metal shell. The construction of the test bearing is unlike the normal plain bearings. This bearing has 8 plain regions around its circumference and amidst these staves are 8 axial grooves (flutes) evenly distributed. The present work discusses design and specifications of different components used in developing the test setup. The hydrodynamic pressure in the bearing clearance is measured using a flush pressure transducer for different operating speeds and loads. A set of inductive non-contact sensors were used to measure the journal location at each end of the bearing. The inductive transducer readings were used to locate the journal centre and measure the eccentricity and attitude angle for various loads and speeds in the hot rotating condition. The attitude angle and eccentricity is used to plot the static characteristics of the bearing.