The present study deals with the experimental determination of temperature
distribution in a plain, steadily loaded journal bearing, during transient
thermal periods such as start-up or slow changing in velocity. A number of
chromel-alumel thermocouples, placed circumferentially in the median sectio
n of the bearing, are used in order to carry out the measurements. The temp
erature at film-shaft interface is also measured by means of a chromel-alum
el thermocouple and a mercury transmitter The effects of journal speed and
load on bearing temperature and fluid friction torque are analyzed. The bea
ring temperature increases considerably with the increase of rotational spe
ed. In addition, for slight bearing loads the bearing temperatures are grea
ter than for higher loads, due to the oil recirculation. The fluid friction
torque increases at start-up and afterwards tends to decrease because of t
he temperature rise which decreases the oil viscosity.