Thermal studies of steadily loaded surface‐textured noncircular journal bearing profiles to investigate the performance characteristics

The present research study is carried out to study the performance characteristics of two noncircular journal bearing profiles. Experiments are conducted on a phosphorous bronze hydrodynamic journal bearing test rig to measure the circumferential oil film pressure as well as on the temperature profile at different radial loads and constant rotational speeds to measure bearing performance characteristics, such as oil flow rate, maximum temperature, and pressure. Results reported that noncircular bearings can withstand higher load and minimum power losses than circular bearings. Also, with an increase in the radial load, the oil film pressure and temperature also increased. However, a reduction in negative pressure gradient is reported along the circumference of the lobe resulting in lesser thermal degradation in comparison with the cylindrical bearing.