Evaluation of Wear Resistance of a Modified Radial Bearing Design Taking into Account Compressibility and Viscosity of the Lubricant

Introduction . The challenge problem of the quality of lubricants has led to both large-scale and narrow-focused theoretical and applied studies that relate to the operational properties of lubricants. In particular, the authors of the publications are interested in the interaction of bearing and lubrication, since numerous types of machinery and equipment contain these elements. In the literature, the composites used to strengthen the bearing surface are compared, the most effective compositions are determined, and the advantages and disadvantages of the components are analyzed. Mathematical models have been proposed and tested for some of the processes of the interaction under consideration, and acceptable adequacy has been proved for some of them. However, the improvement of such solutions requires taking into account the specifics of the tribosystem. This issue has been poorly worked out, and the presented article is intended to fill this gap. When evaluating the wear resistance of a radial bearing, the compressibility of a high viscosity lubricant is taken into account. Materials and Methods . The study was based on the tribocontact scheme, which included the radius of the polymer-coated shaft, the radius of the bearing sleeve, the height of the lubrication groove, and the thickness of the lubricating layer. To create new mathematical models that took into account the compressibility of the lubricant, the authors used three equations: motion of the liquid lubricant, continuity, and state. To verify the model, the results of calculations and laboratory tests were compared. In the experiments, a bearing with a groove to preserve lubrication was used. Its rotation speed, loads and temperature conditions were changed. Friction was measured using traditional methods and modern instruments. Results . The bearing design was modified to take into account an additional factor — the compressibility of the lubricant. The new model predicted the bearing capacity of the part by 8–10% more accurately, and the coefficient of friction — by 7–9%. Fluctuations in the coefficient of friction up to 45 MPa (equivalent to a five-fold increase in load) were detected and explained. This was due to dynamic changes in the surface contact conditions and the effects of external parameters. Optimal applications of antifriction coatings based on hybrid composite materials were determined. The possibilities of practical use of calculation models of a journal bearing were expanded. Its critically important operational characteristics were evaluated in practice. Discussion and Conclusion . The scientific research results described in this article make it possible to establish the performance characteristics of the bearing at the design stage. The significant potential of this approach has been identified in terms of increasing the reliability and durability of the studied part, and this seems to be an important step in the development of bearing and lubricant technologies. In the future, the authors intend to study such factors as temperature conditions, dynamic loads, and interaction with various lubricants. This will allow us to improve bearing designs and expand their application areas.