A Textbook of Machine Design

*Coefficient of friction,
33 ZN d
= k ... (when Z is in kg / m-s and p is in N / mm2)
108 p c
where Z, N, p, d and c have usual meanings as discussed in previous article, and
k = Factor to correct for end leakage. It depends upon the ratio of length
to the diameter of the bearing (i.e. l / d).
= 0.002 for l / d ratios of 0.75 to 2.8.
The operating values of ZN / p should be compared with values given in Table 26.3 to ensure
safe margin between operating conditions and the point of film breakdown.

Operating values
Maximum
c l
Machinery Bearing bearing Absolute ZN/p
d d
pressure ( p) Viscosity Z in kg/m-s
in N/mm2 (Z ) in p in N/mm2
kg/m-s
Automobile and air-craft Main 5.6 – 12 0.007 2.1 — 0.8 – 1.8
engines Crank pin 10.5 – 24.5 0.008 1.4 0.7 – 1.4
Wrist pin 16 – 35 0.008 1.12 1.5 – 2.2
Four stroke-Gas and oil Main 5 – 8.5 0.02 2.8 0.001 0.6 – 2
engines Crank pin 9.8 – 12.6 0.04 1.4 0.6 – 1.5
Wrist pin 12.6 – 15.4 0.065 0.7 1.5 – 2
Two stroke-Gas and oil Main 3.5 – 5.6 0.02 3.5 0.001 0.6 – 2
engines Crank pin 7 – 10.5 0.04 1.8 0.6 – 1.5
Wrist pin 8.4 – 12.6 0.065 1.4 1.5 – 2
Marine steam engines Main 3.5 0.03 2.8 0.001 0.7 – 1.5
Crank pin 4.2 0.04 2.1 0.7 – 1.2
Wrist pin 10.5 0.05 1.4 1.2 – 1.7
Stationary, slow speed Main 2.8 0.06 2.8 0.001 1–2
steam engines Crank pin 10.5 0.08 0.84 0.9 – 1.3
Wrist pin 12.6 0.06 0.7 1.2 – 1.5
Stationary, high speed Main 1.75 0.015 3.5 0.001 1.5 – 3
steam engine Crank pin 4.2 0.030 0.84 0.9 – 1.5
Wrist pin 12.6 0.025 0.7 13 – 1.7
Reciprocating pumps Main 1.75 0.03 4.2 0.001 1 – 2.2
and compressors Crank pin 4.2 0.05 2.8 0.9 – 1.7
Wrist pin 7.0 0.08 1.4 1.5 – 2.0
Steam locomotives Driving axle 3.85 0.10 4.2 0.001 1.6 – 1.8
Crank pin 14 0.04 0.7 0.7 – 1.1
Wrist pin 28 0.03 0.7 0.8 – 1.3

* This is the equation of a straight line portion in the region of thick film lubrication (i.e. line PQ) as shown in
Fig. 26.8.
 Sliding Contact Bearings

Operating values
Maximum
c l
Machinery Bearing bearing Absolute ZN/p
d d
pressure ( p ) Viscosity Z in kg/m-s
in N/mm2 (Z) in p in N/mm2
kg/m-s
Railway cars Axle 3.5 0.1 7 0.001 1.8 – 2
Steam turbines Main 0.7 – 2 0.002 – 14 0.001 1–2
0.016
Generators, motors, Rotor 0.7 – 1.4 0.025 28 0.0013 1–2
centrifugal pumps
Transmission shafts Light, fixed 0.175 0.025- 7 0.001 2–3
Self -aligning 1.05 0.060 2.1 2.5 – 4
Heavy 1.05 2.1 2– 3
Machine tools Main 2.1 0.04 0.14 0.001 1–4
Punching and shearing Main 28 0.10 — 0.001 1–2
machines Crank pin 56
Rolling Mills Main 21 0.05 1.4 0.0015 1–1.5

The pressure at which the oil film breaks down so that metal to metal contact begins, is known
as critical pressure or the minimum operating pressure of the bearing. It may be obtained by the
following empirical relation, i.e.
Critical pressure or minimum operating pressure,
2
ZN d l
p = 6
N/mm 2 ...(when Z is in kg / m-s)
4.75 10 c d l

The Sommerfeld number is also a dimensionless parameter used extensively in the design of
journal bearings. Mathematically,
2
ZN d
Sommerfeld number =
p c
For design purposes, its value is taken as follows :
2
ZN d
14.3 106 ... (when Z is in kg / m-s and p is in N / mm2)
p c

The heat generated in a bearing is due to the fluid friction and friction of the parts having
relative motion. Mathematically, heat generated in a bearing,
Qg = .W.V N-m/s or J/s or watts ...(i)
where = Coefficient of friction,
W = Load on the bearing in N,