Performance of Stern Tube Bearings under Different Lubrication and Operating Conditions

This paper presents the results of an investigation into the theoretical and experimental performance of oil lubricated journal bearings. DNV has developed a new calculation tool for the analysis of journal bearing performance as part of shaft alignment analysis. The results of the calculation tool have been compared to other research and analysis methods under static and dynamic conditions. In addition, white metal bearings were tested with decreasing Sommerfeld number until loss of hydrodynamic lubrication. The experiments were carried out in a bearing test rig and with three different lubricants, normal mineral oil, emulsifying oil, and water-soluble oil. The tests were done with increasing water content in the lubricant. Results from the test were compared with calculation using the DNV analysis tool.