Study of radial slide bearings with a floating ring considering the physical properties of oil

Radial slide bearings are typically used in turbochargers (among other applications), owing to their simple design and advantages, such as good heat dissipation from the working zone, high stability of operation and low resistance to motion. The current research is both experimental and theoretical. In a state of static equilibrium, the operation of a bearing can be described using a system of five coupled differential equations. The bearing’s operating parameters are related to the type of oil used. Two types of oil, VG46 and VG68, were used for testing. In accordance with the applicable standard, the tolerance of kinematic viscosity of oils is ±10%. The results imply a significant influence of the oil class and viscosity tolerance on the resistance to motion caused by internal friction forces in the oil. In conclusion, it seems advisable that the calculation procedures currently in use should include the slide bearing design optimisation by taking the resistance to motion in the bearing into account.