Measured and Predicted Friction In Floating-Ring Bearings

Accurate friction and ring-speed measurements for a floating-ring bearing were obtained under controlled radial load and lubricant conditions. The measured friction and ring speeds were compared with an isothermal model. Under load conditions, bearing friction was predicted well. The testing showed that ring rotation had a small effect on bearing friction. The model predicted ring speeds accurately when they did occur experimentally; however, in many instances, the floating ring was found to remain stationary during testing.