Set-up of a novel test plant for high power turbomachinery tilting pad journal bearings

In this work a novel test rig for the static and dynamic characterization of high performance tilting pad journal bearings is described (150-300 mm diameter, 150 m/s maximum peripheral speed and 270 kN maximum static load). Test procedures are illustrated and commissioning results obtained with a four pad tilting pad journal bearing are presented showing the test rig potential.