The effect of high-molecular-weight polymer drag-reducing agents on the performance of a plain hydrodynamic journal bearing operating under turbulent flow conditions has been studied. Reduction of the frictional torque by up to 45 per cent was observed for polymer concentrations in the range 5–200 μg/g using solutions in water of Polyox WSR 301 of molecular weight 4 times 105.*** The polymer solutions had a stabilizing effect against half-speed oil-film whirl. Degradation of the polymer by mechanical shear was fairly rapid.
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