Abstract
Simultaneous measurements were made of loading, film pressure and journal displacement of a journal bearing under the action of both constant and sinusoidal loading. The applicability of Reynolds' (I)† boundary conditions is confirmed. If the bending of the shaft results in a modification of the oil film profile, the location of maximum film pressure is shifted closer to the position of minimum film thickness. Calculation of pressure distribution assuming constant viscosity and infinite bearing stiffness results in a value for peak pressure which is too high. The contribution of the pressure attributable to the movement of the shaft centre to the total pressure within a bearing subject to variable load has been elucidated. Measurements of the displacement of the journal centre under sinusoidally fluctuating and alternating loads confirm Hahn's calculations.
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