Experimental investigation of the temperature fade in the cavitation zone of full journal bearings

This paper describes an experimental investigation with a rig for measuring the surface temperatures and pressures in single bore journal bearings. The test bearing was equipped with small bores, where the pressure was altered by means of a vacuum pump. The whole bearing arrangement can also be operated at different ambient pressures ranging from atmospheric down to −0.06 MPa. Oil temperatures at inlet and outlet are also measured. Experiments show a considerable drop in the temperature of oil undergoing a drop in pressure. The overall temperature level of the bearing system did not seem to affect the magnitude of the temperature drop. Experiments where the bearing system was operated at sub-ambient pressures revealed an increased temperature drop in the cavitation zone. Pressures higher than ambient were measured within the cavitation zone while the bearing was operated at sub-atmospheric pressure. The higher pressures are believed to be caused by evaporation of oil. It is therefore proposed that the temperature drop observed in the cavitation zone of journal bearings is primarily caused by evaporation of oil. However, isentropic decompression of the gases in the oil is also believed to play a role.