Plain Bearings for the High Speed Diesel Engine

The outlook forecast for truck diesel engines indicates that higher specific loadings will occur on the connecting rod and main journal bearings. Materials available for this situation are discussed. However, for the less demanding diesel engine application the use of reinforced plastic lined bearings may be a possible trend. Means of assessing bearing performance are examined together with new methods of bearing production that will certainly be introduced to increase bearing output and improve economic viability in the diesel automotive range. Some design considerations are discussed regarding connecting rod and main journal bearings when operating under the expected higher duties.