This paper aims to present the results of parametric experiments carried out in order to study the influence of groove location and supply pressure on the performance of a steadily loaded journal bearing with a single-axial groove. Hydrodynamic pressure and temperature distributions on the bush surface, shaft temperature, flow rate and bush torque were measured at variable supply pressure, using bushes with a single groove located at three different positions. A series of tests were carried out for variable applied load and rotational speed. The experimental evidence shows that some bearing characteristics are significantly sensitive to changes in groove location and supply pressure. One groove located at 30 degrees in relation to the load line, in the direction of shaft rotation, can conduct to reductions in maximum temperature, maximum hydrodynamic pressure and bush torque, with a moderate increase in oil flow rate. [S0742-4787(00)02801-0]

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