A study on the wear behavior of tin-based journal bearing under different working conditions

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the friction and wear properties of journal bearings under different working conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Friction coefficient and wear losses of journal bearing under different working conditions have been determined by a bearing test rig. The worn surfaces of bearing were examined by scanning electron microscopy and laser three-dimensional micro-imaging profile measurements, and the tribological behavior and wear mechanisms were investigated.

Findings

The wear loss and friction coefficient of bearing under starting-stopping working condition is far greater than that of steady-state working conditions. In addition, the maximum wear loss under start-up and stop conditions is about 120 times of that under stable operating conditions. Under stable working conditions, the main wear forms of bearings are abrasive wear, under starting-stopping working conditions the main wear mechanisms of bearings are adhesion wear, abrasive wear and fatigue wear.

Originality/value

These research results have certain practical value for understanding the tribology behavior of journal bearings under different working conditions.

Citation

Li, H., Yin, Z. and Wang, Y. (2020), "A study on the wear behavior of tin-based journal bearing under different working conditions", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 72 No. 3, pp. 359-368. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-04-2019-0123