An experimental investigation on frictional behavior of statically loaded micro-grooved journal bearing

Performances of plain and micro-grooved engine journal bearings were investigated in this study. Numerous experiments were performed under different static loads by using the purpose-built journal bearing test rig. Micro-grooves were made by cutting micro-channels both around and across the engine journal bearing surfaces. Stribeck curves for the micro-grooved and the plain journal bearings were then experimentally and theoretically generated while frictional torque versus angular velocity curves were also plotted. The results showed that the highest value of coefficient of friction as well as the frictional torque was obtained on the transversal micro-grooved journal bearings.

► Micro-grooved journals are widely used in automobile engine since they have several advantages.
► Frictional performances of plain and micro-grooved engine journal bearings were investigated.
► Stribeck curves for micro-grooved and the plain journal bearings were experimentally generated.
► The highest coefficient of friction was obtained for transversal micro-grooved journal bearing.
► Transition speed increased with increasing bearing load for micro-grooved journal bearings.