Journal Bearing Apparatus
Product Code : EL-TOML-11030
Quick answer: The journal bearing apparatus lets students see the oil film pressure that builds up in a hydrodynamic journal bearing. A 50 mm steel journal turns in a 55 mm bearing on a DC shunt motor up to 3000 RPM, and 16 tappings feed a manometer panel that shows the pressure profile under different loads and speeds. Lab Exports manufactures it in Delhi for engineering colleges, polytechnics and TVET institutes.
Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Journal | Plain steel, 50 mm nominal diameter |
| Bearing | 55 mm diameter |
| Loading | 4 adjustable weights on a supporting arm |
| Drive motor | DC shunt motor, up to 3000 RPM |
| Speed control | Control panel with speed regulation, both directions of rotation |
| Pressure tappings | 12 equally spaced around the circumference, 4 along the axis |
| Pressure measurement | 16-tube manometer panel, connected by flexible plastic tubing |
| Electrical supply | 230 V AC, single phase, with earthing |
How the journal bearing experiment is done
In a hydrodynamic bearing the journal is carried not by metal contact but by a pressurised oil film. As the journal turns, it drags oil into the narrowing gap on the loaded side; this wedge of oil builds up pressure that lifts the journal and carries the load. The higher the speed and oil viscosity, and the lower the load, the thicker the film becomes.
The 12 circumferential tappings show how the film pressure rises to a peak and falls again around the bearing, and the 4 axial tappings show the drop in pressure towards the open ends. Students plot the pressure on polar and linear graphs, compare runs at different loads and speeds, and relate the results to the Sommerfeld number used in bearing design.
- Fill the bearing with oil and check that the manometer tubes are free of air.
- Start the motor and bring the journal to the test speed with the speed control.
- Set the load with the adjustable weights on the supporting arm.
- When the manometer levels are steady, read all 16 tubes.
- Repeat at other loads, speeds and directions of rotation and plot the pressure distribution.
Key features
- Plain steel journal driven directly by a DC shunt motor and sealed at the motor end
- 12 circumferential and 4 axial pressure tappings for 16 observation points
- 16-tube manometer panel for reading the full pressure profile at once
- Four adjustable weights on a supporting arm for varying bearing load
- Speed control up to 3000 RPM in both directions of rotation
- Clear, visual demonstration of hydrodynamic lubrication theory
Documentation and supply
Installation instructions and a manual are supplied with the apparatus. Most Lab Exports products carry a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Lab Exports manufactures the journal bearing apparatus at its works in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, and supplies it to engineering colleges, polytechnics and TVET institutes in India and 60+ countries, handling the export documents for each shipment. More about the company is on the About Lab Exports page.
Related Theory of Machine Lab products
- Epicyclic Gear Train Holding Torque Apparatus (EL-TOML-11029)
- Dead Weight Pressure Gauge Tester (EL-TOML-11031)
- Slip Creep Measurement Apparatus (EL-TOML-11028)
- Tool Dynamometers (EL-TOML-11032)
- Coriolis Component of Acceleration (EL-TOML-11027)
- Milling Tool Dynamometers (EL-TOML-11033)
The full range is in the Theory of Machine Lab section of the Engineering Lab range.
Frequently asked questions
How many pressure tappings does the journal bearing apparatus have?
Sixteen: 12 equally spaced around the bearing circumference and 4 along its axis, all connected to the manometer panel.
What are the journal and bearing sizes?
The steel journal is 50 mm nominal diameter and the bearing is 55 mm diameter.
What is the price of the journal bearing apparatus?
Prices are not published on the website. Add the journal bearing apparatus to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page, or email [email protected] with the house code EL-TOML-11030 and the quantity, to receive a quotation.
Does Lab Exports manufacture the journal bearing apparatus?
Yes. Lab Exports manufactures the journal bearing apparatus at its works at 11/315, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi 110092, under house code EL-TOML-11030.
Request a quote
Email [email protected] with the house code EL-TOML-11030 and the quantity, or add the journal bearing apparatus to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page. Tender buyers can also see the Tenders and OEM page.
