THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROTOTYPE INSTRUMENTS TO MEASURE THE DYNAMIC FILM THICKNESS, FILM CONTINUITY, AND FILM PRESSURE IN JOURNAL BEARINGS LUBRICATED WITH LIQUID POTASSIUM

The objective of this program is to demonstrate the performance of prototype instrumentation systems under conditions closely simulating the operation of a journal bearing lubricated with liquid potassium. The measurement of film thickness and continuity is to be based on the application of eddy-current techniques, and the measurement of film pressure is to be based on the application of the Villari effect. The prototype film-thickness system is to be developed for use in a current, experimental, plain journal bearing with molybdenum alloy rotor and tungsten carbide cermet stator operating in potassium. The instrumentation performance is to be demonstrated using potassium and an available high-speed, rotary spindle facility. The prototype film-pressure system is to be developed for use in a future experimental plain journal bearing and is to be demonstrated by separate potassium compatibility studies and pneumatically pressurized proof runs.