Experimental comparison of the transition speed of a hydrodynamic journal bearing lubricated with oil and magnetorheological fluid

A journal bearing test bench is used to find the transition speed between the hydrodynamic and mixed lubrication regimes for a modified magnetorheological (MR) fluid. It is shown that the transition speed of the bearing can be reduced by applying a local magnetic field near minimum film when it is lubricated with the MR fluid, and that this will only marginally increase friction. The lubricating performance of the MR fluid is compared to that of a reference oil, and all experimental results are compared with a Finite Element model based on the Reynolds equation.

Automated summary

The study investigates the application of a modified MR fluid in lubrication performance using a journal bearing test bench. It is found that applying a local magnetic field can significantly reduce the transition speed of the bearing when lubricated with MR fluid, with only a minimal increase in friction. The lubricating performance of the MR fluid is compared to a reference oil.