Module 3
Q1. Derive Petroff’s equation and explain friction force
and power loss in a lightly loaded journal bearing. (10
Marks)
Answer:
Assumptions (Lightly Loaded Bearing):
No eccentricity (shaft is concentric)
Uniform oil film thickness
No pressure development (pure viscous friction)
Petroff’s Equation:
f = \frac{2\pi^2 \eta N r}{P c}
Where:
( f ) = coefficient of friction
( \eta ) = viscosity of lubricant
( N ) = rotational speed (rev/sec)
( r ) = journal radius
( c ) = radial clearance
( P ) = bearing pressure
Friction Force:
[
F = f \times W
]
Power Loss:
[
Power = F \times v
]
Where ( v = 2\pi r N )
Conclusion:
Petroff’s equation is valid only for lightly loaded bearings and gives a simple estimation of
friction.
Q2. Explain the mechanism of pressure development in
hydrodynamic lubrication and derive Reynold’s equation
in 2D form. (10 Marks)
Answer:
Mechanism of Pressure Development:
When the journal rotates, it drags lubricant into the converging wedge-shaped film
This creates hydrodynamic pressure
Pressure supports the load and separates surfaces
Key Conditions:
1. Relative motion between surfaces
2. Converging film geometry
3. Continuous lubricant supply
Reynolds Equation (2D):
\frac{\partial}{\partial x}\left(h^3 \frac{\partial p}{\partial x}\right) + \frac{\partial}{\partial
z}\left(h^3 \frac{\partial p}{\partial z}\right) = 6\eta U \frac{\partial h}{\partial x}
Where:
( h ) = film thickness
( p ) = pressure
( \eta ) = viscosity
( U ) = surface velocity
Conclusion:
Reynolds equation governs pressure distribution in hydrodynamic lubrication.
Q3. Explain idealized journal bearing, load carrying
capacity, condition for equilibrium, and Sommerfeld
number. (10 Marks)
Answer:
Idealized Journal Bearing:
Assumes infinitely long bearing
Neglects end leakage
Pressure varies only along circumference
Load Carrying Capacity:
Generated due to oil film pressure
Depends on viscosity, speed, and geometry
Condition for Equilibrium:
Hydrodynamic pressure force = applied load
Journal operates at an eccentric position
Sommerfeld Number:
S = \frac{\eta N}{P} \left(\frac{r}{c}\right)^2
Significance:
Indicates bearing performance
Higher ( S ): thicker oil film, safer operation
Used in design charts
Conclusion:
Sommerfeld number helps predict lubrication regime and stability.
Q4. A journal bearing has the following data: radius = 50
mm, clearance = 0.05 mm, viscosity = 0.02 Pa·s, speed =
1500 rpm, bearing pressure = 1 MPa. Calculate coefficient
of friction using Petroff’s equation. (10 Marks)
Answer:
Given:
( r = 0.05 , m )
( c = 0.00005 , m )
( \eta = 0.02 , Pa·s )
( N = 1500 , rpm = 25 , rev/s )
( P = 1 \times 10^6 , Pa )
Using Petroff’s Equation:
[
f = \frac{2\pi^2 \eta N r}{P c}
]
Substitute values:
[
f = \frac{2 \times (3.142)^2 \times 0.02 \times 25 \times 0.05}{(1 \times 10^6) \times
0.00005}
]
[
f = \frac{2 \times 9.869 \times 0.02 \times 25 \times 0.05}{50}
]
[
f = \frac{0.493}{50}
]
[
f \approx 0.00986
]
Final Answer:
Coefficient of friction ≈ 0.0099
Additional Concepts:
Partial Bearings: Less than 360° contact → reduced load capacity
End Leakage: Occurs in finite bearings → reduces pressure
Conclusion:
Numerical problems test practical understanding of bearing performance and design.
If you want, I can also provide:
More numericals (important for exams)
Derivations in step-by-step detail (very scoring)
Short revision notes (1-night study format)