The main purpose of the research was to determine the possibilities and experimentally test the benefits of replacing conventional oil lubrication with ecological water lubrication. Tests were carried out on a test rig for hydrodynamic radial bearings under conditions representative of the expected applications for the bearing in water turbines. Bearings made from the polymer material PEEK (polyether ether ketone) were tested under static...

Polymer lined tilting-pad bearings demonstrate many advantages over traditional bearing systems. Bearings with a polymer layer in comparison with a babbitted layer show, for example: lower value of friction coefficient (important during start/stops), higher fatigue strength of the coating, better distribution of the load on individual pads due to lower elasticity of the polymers, wider range of operational temperatures or the ability...

Operational experience and scientific investigations results showed that polymer lined hydrodynamic bearings can withstand more severe operating conditions compared than white metal bearings. PTFE and PEEK-based coatings are the most frequently used as Babbitt alternatives. Both polymers differ significantly from the each other in material properties. According to catalogue data compression modulus of PTFE, it is about an order...

Babbitt is the material most frequently used as the pad surface material for hydrodynamic bearings operating at usual operating conditions. It shows many advantages important for safe bearing operation, as for example: low friction coefficient, corrosion resistance, fair mechanical properties and outstanding conformability. On the other hand, it is not free from disadvantages, such as limited fatigue strength or limited resistance...

In hydrodynamic bearings traditional bearing alloys: Babbitts and bronzes are most frequently utilized. Polymer sliding layers are sometimes applied as a valuable alternative. Hard diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings, which are also considered for certain applications may show some advantages, as well. Although material selection is of secondary importance in a full film lubrication regime it becomes important in mixed friction...