Should you FLOOD or STARVE a sleeve bearing?

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-25-2011

Abstract

Engineers need to consider several factors regarding the load and speed limits and the damping characteristics of starved bearings to ensure safe operation. Engineers should know how to calculate minimum oil-film thickness and power loss, as well as predict temperature rise from reduced oil supplies. Engineers can use empirically derived charts to predict how specific bearings will perform with less than full oil feeds. One way to ensure increased oil delivery and greater reliability is to use two oil rings. Engineers should understand that the ring loses oil by centrifugal throw-off and windage at high speeds. The oil delivery can drop to the point that it is not enough to safely operate the bearing at shaft surface speeds above 46 fps. It is required to keep shaft speeds below this level or use another lubrication technique. Engineers need to be careful to limit surface speeds for wick-oiled bearings to 13 fps or less because the small quantity of oil can't carry away significant heat.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Machine Design

First Page

40

Last Page

44

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS