An Experimental Investigation on the Rotating Journal Surface Temperature Distribution in a Full Circular Bearing

A method is described for measuring the rotating shaft surface temperature in a full circular bearing. The experimental measurements related to a journal bearing with a unitary length/diameter ratio, are reported. Contrary to the commonly held assumption, the shaft surface temperature is found to remain not quite constant, but to fluctuate during the journal revolution; the value of the temperature in the revolution appears to be maximum about the minimum film thickness. Typical surface temperature distribution scope traces, circumferential variation amplitudes of the surface temperature and increases in the mean revolution value of the journal surface temperature with respect to that of the inlet lubricant oil, are plotted versus shaft speed, lubricant viscosity and bearing load. The journal speed and lubricant viscosity appear to significantly affect the rotating shaft surface temperature as well as its fluctuation in the revolution; the effect of the bearing load is less influential.