The proposed project concerns problems connected with tribology - the science of friction and wear. The research is inspired by the knowledge that water lubricated sliding pairs experience particularly rapid wear in two cases: when the lubricating agent, i.e. water, contains solid particles, the flow of the lubricating agent is limited or lacking (the friction pair submerged in water). The progressing wear usually results in radically limiting bearing system’s durability. Therefore, the task of solving this research problem was put forward and the following study hypotheses formed: • Appropriate selection of sliding pair and its geometry will limit the amount of heat generated in the friction zone, allowing for efficient, failure-free operation. • Appropriate selection of the sliding pair will allow for limiting the wear resulting from lubricating with an agent containing solid particles. The main aims of the planned experimental research are the following: • Obtaining knowledge of the phenomena which accompany water lubricated sliding elements working together in unfavorable operating conditions. • Verifying the hypotheses by the means of experimental and theoretical research. • Expanding the area of knowledge regarding water lubricated friction pairs. • Identifying key parameters influencing the speed of wear process. It is planned to carry out the experiments on two, differing test rigs allowing for testing various journal-bush type sliding combination. The theoretical research will be conducted using advanced software utilizing computational fluid dynamics, as well as solid body elements (methods CFD, FEM and FSI). In the opinion of the application authors, research answers may be obtained using appropriate sliding combinations of special geometry. Obtaining knowledge about the phenomena which accompany the process of intensive wear occurring as a result of lubrication with fluids containing solid particles and overheating of the friction zone will allow for wide use of these bearing types in pumping equipment , hydro-power industry and shipbuilding. The next research phase foresees applying for a commercial application project in co-operation with one of domestic companies capable of implementing such a solution on wide basis. Employed research methodology Meeting the research goals requires conducting both theoretical and experimental works. The theoretical part will be aimed at establishing a model of a water lubricated sliding pair. S