Experimental and Analytical Research on Floating-Ring Bearings for Engine Applications

This study deals with whether floating-ring journal bearings can be applied to engine bearings or not. The performance of floating-ring journal bearings with nonstationary load is analyzed. The main bearings of a S195 4-stroke diesel engine are replaced by floating-ring bearings and an experiment is carried out with success. After the engine starting, the ring lifts off when crankshaft speeds approach seven hundred and forty rpm. The ring maintains its rotation until crankshaft speeds decrease to two hundred rpm, during its deceleration to a stop. Once the ring lifts off it remains in normal working order. It is possible for floating-ring bearings to be used in engines where the load is nonstationary. It is hoped that a further reduction in the ring starting speed will be provided by lessening the difference between dynamic and static frictional coefficients in friction pair and an increase in lifetime will be provided by the floating-ring journal bearing.