Thermal Behaviour of a Twin Axial Groove Bearing under Varying Loading Direction

An experimental investigation and numerical model development to predict the behaviour of a journal bearing subjected to different loading direction is described. The numerical model predicts significant thermal excursions under conditions of extreme load and speed, and these trends are confirmed by experimental observations. The experimental results show that the oil grooves are not effective in providing cool lubricant when they are positioned in the loaded part of the film. The numerical model suggests that at a prescribed eccentricity ratio, a very significant load increase can occur (threefold) for a small change in loading direction. Additionally, predicted side flow is very load direction dependent while bush torque reaction is not; these trends are confirmed by experimental observation.