Experimental study of thermal effects in tilting-pad journal bearings at high operating speeds

In this work, a test machine, experimental results and the comparison between theoretical TEHD results and experimental data are presented. The tested bearings are located in two speed increasing and reduction gearboxes (back-to-back test bed). The shaft is driven by a 1 MW motor. The bearing diameter and the bearing length are equal to 160 mm. The rotational speed varies from 2700 Ipm (22 m/s) so 11,880 rpm (100 m/s). The applied load is up to 88,000 N. Temperatures in the bearing (film/pad interface, oil, pad and housing), power losses and oil flow are measured The influence of the bearing design and of the pivot position on the pad is analyzed.