Journal Bearings
Bearing is a type of machine element which supports another moving
machine element.
There are many type of bearing. Sliding bearing is one of them.
In sliding bearing there is sliding contact between the journal and
bearing. Journal is the part of the shaft which is inside the bearing. Between
the journal and bearing lubrication is provided.
Sliding bearing is of mainly of three types
1. Full journal bearing
2. Partial journal bearing
3. Fitted journal bearing
Full journal bearing : in this type there is 360° contact between journal and
bearing. It means there can be contact at any point between the journal and
bearing.
Partial journal bearing: in this type there can be maximum 120° contact
between journal and bearing. It means there is specific area where the
contact is possible.
Fitted journal bearing: Normally size of the journal remains smaller than
the bearing but sometimes it is not so. If the size of the journal is same as
that of bearing then the bearing is called fitted journal bearing.
What is the bearing modulus to be applied to
journal bearing?
The minimum value of lubrication coefficient (Zn/p) in bearing characteristic
curve is called bearing modulus.
Bearing modulus signifies the minimum value for which a journal bearing can
be operated without metal to metal contact for given viscosity, pressure and
operating speed.
It is a dimensionless number and used for designing of journal bearing.
Generally, the operating value of bearing characteristic(Zn/p) is kept 3–4
times more than bearing modulus to prevent any kind of damage due to
friction between journal and shaft.
Journal bearings are typically a bronze sleeve that is lubricated with grease or
oil. These are different from the typical ball or roller bearing which fall into a
classification of “anti-friction”. Journal bearings have several advantages and
some disadvantages.
Advantages
Journal bearings fit into a small OD and provide for excellent radial
capacity. The smaller OD can be helpful in tight designs.
The rotational speed can be slow where it falls into a category of
boundary lubrication, or it can rotate at high speed (like in an engine)
where the oil film provides a unique pressure film boundary.
The cost is usually lower than a typical anti friction bearing. Some
options include impregnated bronze that provides the lubrication.
This application works great for slow moving rotation of linkages and
mechanisms.
Disadvantages
The running clearance of a journal bearing may not be suitable in all
mechanisms. Some radial clearance is required which can cause
erratic motion in high speed mechanisms. If zero clearance is
required, a ball or tapered roller bearing may be required.
There is some additional friction in the rotation of a journal bearing
as compared with an anti friction bearing.
Each design application should be evaluated using each type of bearing
before making a final decision.
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