Large scale bearing test setup

Features

This test-rig is designed by the Laboratory Soete to investigate the friction and wear behavior of large journal bearings operating in boundary lubrication or dry friction regimes. The test-rig can accommodate bearings with diameters up to 400 mm and width up to 300 mm.

Bearings of this size can normally be found in civil engineering works (locks, drawbridges, mooring lines etc.). For some of these applications the bearings should function under water lubrication. The chamber of the test-rig in which the bearing material is placed can be sealed, so the real operating conditions of the bearings (grease, water lubrication, sea water ingress, dirt etc.) can be simulated.

For the time being only oscillating movements can be applied on the bearing. Either the bearing material can be stationary, while the shaft (counter surface) undergoes an oscillating movement, or the shaft can be stationary while the bearing material undergoes an oscillating movement. The test-rig is servo-hydraulically operated which allows for a load controlled or displacement controlled operation to ensure an accurate execution of the test. The controller is equipped with data acquisition devices to measure various additional instrument such as temperatures, displacements, strains, …

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