Steam Lubrication Studies Part I - Experimental Investigation of a Steam Lubricated Journal Bearing

摘要

A combined experimental and analytical investigation was initiated for the purpose of developing design data and guidelines for steam lubrication of naval machinery. The report on experimental studies of the steam lubricated journal bearing, is one of three being issued to describe the results of the program. The experiments showed that steam-lubricated bearings can be operated satisfactorily with a saturated or high-quality steam supply. Moreover, they can be operated in a low-temperature environment and without need for external sources of heat, other than the steam itself. The most critical problem in the operation of these bearings is steam hammer instability which appears to be caused by evaporation of entrained moisture in the bearing film. The report describes bearing design features, steam supply system requirements and operating condition limitations which resulted in satisfactory, stable, operation with pressure ratios from 3 to 15 and for a wide range of steady-state loads and shaft speeds. (Author)