A Test to Relate The Loss of Hydrodynamic Lubrication in an Automotive Journal Bearing to Lubricant Viscosity

This paper describes an engine oil test that uses an electrical contact method to determine the loads at which hydrodynamic lubrication is lost in an actual automotive journal bearing. The test is calibrated using newtonian oils so that the effective viscosities of non-newtonian test oils can be determined and compared to those of newtonian oils of specific viscosity grades.