Performance of polyamide journal bearing including thermal expansion effects

An analytical technique to predict the performance of journal bearing is pr oposed, which considers the elastic deformation of bearing surface caused b y hydrodynamic pressure and thermal expansion. The results show that the ma ximum temperature of bearing surface increases significantly with decreasin g clearance ratio. This is more pronounced for polyamide bearing compared w ith lead and steel bearings. The oil film thickness due to hydrodynamic pre ssure deformation together with thermal expansion decreases compared with t hat of rigid bearing leading to an increase in load carrying capacity. This increase is considerable for polyamide bearing especially at relatively lo wer clearance ratio. The clearance ratio of polyamide bearing should be hig her than lead and steel bearings to ensure safe critical operating conditio ns.