Experimental Research of Journal Orbit for Water-Lubricated Bearing

To study the transient dynamic characteristics of water-lubricated bearing-rotor system in seawater desalination high pressure pump, the water-lubricated bearing test device was designed and built based on the prototype of high pressure pump with 4-stage rotors. The test was conducted to study the journal orbit and circumferential pressure distribution of journal bearing. The result shows that, in startup stage, the journal whirled with little amplitude in low revolution speed, and as the revolution speed increased, the journal began to move irregularly. The hydrodynamic lubrication formed basically when close to the rated revolution speed, and there is stable whirling center and amplitude of the journal orbit. The circumferential pressure distribution of journal bearing changed severely and kept consistent with the change of journal orbit; when the revolution speed reached the rated speed, the pressure distribution is stable. We changed the radius clearance, the aspect ratio, and the rotating speed to analyze the influence on the bearing-rotor system at steady speed. In conclusion, the journal orbit and circumferential pressure of journal bearing are very stable when the clearance radius is 0.05 mm, the aspect ratio is 1, and the revolution speed is 3000 r/min.