Performance of polymer composites journal bearings - Effect of thermal andelastic behaviour

The effect of thermal expansion and elastic deformation on the performance of polyamide-copper journal bearings is presented. Three configurations of free open, free closed and constrained closed bearings are studied. The res ults showed that the load carrying capacity and maximum bearing temperature increase with increasing polyamide volume traction up to a value of 0.80 w hereas the miminum oil film thickness and friction coefficient have the opp osite effect. Furthermore, the increasing of journal rotational speed incre ases the load carrying capacity, maximum bearing temperature whereas the mi nimum oil film thickness and friction coefficient decrease. The open type b earing shows the economic best selectivity according to its smooth running at relatively higher polyamide volume fraction and rotational speeds.