An Experimental Study of Cavitation in Hydrodynamically Lubricated Journal Bearings -Part I: Oil Film Behaviour

The experimental work herein presented gives a full account of cavitation in hydrodynamically lubricated journal bearings. Using a transparent bearing bush, the lubricant film extent as being influenced by operating conditions and oil inlet design could be accurately observed, recorded and fairly defined.

The study showed that cavitation is inevitable in bearings operation; low values of load parameter and/or high speeds help in its existance. Both the inlet oil feeding designs (single oil inlet hole, axial groove or circumferential groove) and the position of oil inlet relative to the load vector have shown to affect the extent and starting location of oil film. Careful attention should thus be given to the right positioning of oil inlet ports to attain an optimum situation inwhich minimum cavitated areas are present.