Experimental verification of a particle induced friction model in journal bearings

To verify a theory for friction caused by solid particles suspended in fluid (oil), namely particle induced friction (PIF), between sliding surfaces, the theoretical solutions and experimental data by use of actual journal bearings and abrasive particles (spherical mono sized Al2O3 particles) were compared. In the results: (1) the main differences between the theoretical solutions and the experimental data; (2) generating PIF in the minimum oil film thickness greater than a particle size; (3) decreasing friction coefficient with increasing particle concentration in oil were observed. The causes were discussed and the results confirmed that the theory, by using an approximate friction coefficient could show a good agreement with the experimental data in journal bearings.