The Effects of Oil Groove Position on Torque and Frictional Force in Hydrodynamic Journal Bearing

Axial groove is a common supply method of distributing lubricant within a journal bearing. Lubricant is generally fed at a specific supply pressure to ensure that the journal and the bearing surface are separated. Shearing action between lubricant and bearing parts creates frictions which contribute to power loss in journal bearing. In the present study, an experimental work was conducted to determine the effect of oil groove location on torque and frictional force in hydrodynamic journal bearing. A journal diameter of 100mm with a 12 length-to-diameter ratio was used. The oil supply pressure was set at 0.20 to 0.25 MPa. The groove was positioned at 3 different locations namely 0 0 , +15 0 and +30 0 . Measurements of torque and frictional force were obtained for speed values of 300, 500 and 800 RPM at different radial loads. It was observed that the change in oil groove location has affected the fluid frictional force and friction coefficient to some extent.