Study of Oil Starvation in Journal Bearing Using Acoustic Emission and Vibration Measurement Techniques

This present article evaluates the state of starvation in a journal bearing using acoustic emission (AE) and vibration measurement techniques. A journal bearing requires a constant supply of oil in an adequate amount to develop a hydrodynamic film, thick enough to separate the surfaces and avoid asperity contacts. On a microscopic level, the surface interaction under starved lubrication results in deformation and fracture of asperities. This causes a proportionate increase in AE and vibration. The AE activities resulting from asperities interaction have significant energy in the frequency range of 100-400 kHz with peak frequencies in the range of 224-283 kHz. Further, the peak frequency shifts from the higher to lower side as the asperity interaction transits from the elastic to plastic contact. This information derived from the spectral analysis of AE signals can be used to develop condition monitoring parameters to proactively control the lubrication and prevent bearing failure.