Water-lubricated stern tube bearing - experimental and theoretical investigations of thermal effects

The paper presents research results of thermal phenomena accompanying operation of a water-lubricated stern tube bearing with axial grooves. Experimental tests revealed, that intensity of forced axial flow has strong influence on bush temperature. Numerical simulations focused on investigation of the thermal phenomena under operation of water-lubricated journal bearing showed, that restricted axial flow promotes backflow of the water from bearing's side zones through the grooves. The backflow temperature is higher than the supply temperature since under the conditions of restricted forced axial flow, it is impacted mainly by the temperature of the water outflow from the gap, which is higher due to the shearing of lubricating film. This effect causes rise in the temperature of the bearing bush.

Automated summary

The research focuses on thermal phenomena related to the operation of a water-lubricated stern tube bearing with axial grooves. Experimental tests showed that the intensity of forced axial flow significantly affects the bush temperature. Numerical simulations revealed that restricted axial flow leads to backflow of water through the grooves, resulting in a higher backflow temperature than the supply temperature and an increase in bearing bush temperature.