Return to the Roots—Experimental Work on Water-Lubricated Bearings with Lignum Vitae Wood Bearing Bushes and Comparison with Other Similar Solutions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The results of experimental tests of six various water-lubricated bearings are described. Tests were performed under conditions typical for marine stern tube bearings. The acquired low-friction coefficient values indicated that the bearings operated in the fluid friction regime over a wide range of sliding speeds and loads. Due to elastic deformations of the flexible non-metal bushings, it was not possible to measure the lubricant film thickness to confirm this phenomenon. Studying measured hydrodynamic pressure distribution profiles, and thanks to lifting force calculation, it was proven that hydrodynamic phenomena occur between strongly deformed, rough surfaces lubricated by a low-viscosity fluid.
Source: Lubricants
Institution: Gdańsk University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7128676077