Performance analysis of journal bearings using ultrasonic reflection

• Published in: Tribology International
• Main Author: Kasolang S.; Ahmed D.I.; Dwyer-Joyce R.S.; Yousif B.F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84875739362&doi=10.1016%2fj.triboint.2013.02.012&partnerID=40&md5=909325a6e043031d1561ee2b0c3db827

One method that shows potential for non-invasive oil film measurement is the use of ultrasonic reflection. In the current work, ultrasonic transducer is coupled to the outside of a bearing and a wave transmitted through the bearing shell. The wave is partially reflected when it strikes an oil film. Experiments were conducted to study ultrasonic reflection coefficient technique in plain journal bearing. Measurements of multiple reflection coefficients were recorded and used to map the viscosity profiles, oil-film thickness and bearing cavitation. In addition, an alternative method using the reflection coefficient phase from film thickness measurement was used for verification. The results revealed that the evaluation of phase method is slightly lower compared to that of the amplitude method. The film thickness profile obtained in the converging region agreed well with classical hydrodynamic predictions. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.