Influence of local bush wear on water lubricated sliding bearing load carrying capacity

One of main problems concerning water-lubricated bearings is their durability. There are known cases of bearings with life time measured in decades, and some, whose refurbishment was necessary just days after start-up. Obtaining stable fluid film friction plays key role in the durability of these bearings. Unfortunately, their load-carrying capacity is limited due to water's low-viscosity. The conducted experimental research demonstrated that in water-lubricated bearing working under fluid lubrication regime, noticeable bush wear occurred at the edges. Detailed analysis of this phenomenon made it possible to propose a method for calculating load capacity of sliding bearings which provides for local bush wear. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.