In this work, a test machine, experimental results and the comparison between theoretical TEHD results and experimental data are presented. The tested bearings are located in two speed increasing and reduction gearboxes (back-to-back test bed). The shaft is driven by a 1 MW motor. The bearing diameter and the bearing length are equal to 160 mm. The rotational speed varies from 2700 rpm (22 m/s) to 11,880 rpm (100 m/s). The applied load is up to 88,000 N. Temperatures in the bearing (film/pad interface, oil, pad and housing), power losses and oil flow are measured. The influence of the bearing design and of the pivot position on the pad is analyzed.
Closure to “Discussion of ‘A Global Approach of Thermal Effects Including Pad Deformations in Tilting-Pad Journal Bearings Submitted to Unbalance Load’” (1997, ASME J. Tribol., 119, p. 227)