Improving the performance of wooden journal bearings

• Journal bearings made of wood have long been used in traditional devices such as oxcarts and waterwheels. They are currently used in industrial materials-handling equipment and other specialized applications. Wooden bearings have potential use in developing regions in appropriate technology devices such as animal-drawn carts and manual water pumps. This pilot study examined a number of factors that affect wooden bearing performance, including wood properties, fabrication methods, and operating conditions. A testing procedure for wooden bearings was established, and a testing machine was constructed. Bearings were fabricated of different wood species, treated with various lubricants, and run on the machine under varying conditions of load and speed. Measurements were made of bearing and axle wear, static and dynamic friction. and bearing operating temperature. The results of this study show that lubricant characteristics, speed and load of operation, steel axle properties, and wood density and permeability can have a considerable effect on bearing performance.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Naturresursteknik -- Annan naturresursteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Environmental Engineering -- Other Environmental Engineering (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Tiliaceae ; Spermatophyta ; Angiospermae ; Dicotyledones ; Aceraceae ; Pterocarpus angolensis ; Physical properties ; Rheological properties ; Stress effects ; Viscosity ; Lubricant ; Friction coefficient ; Tilia americana ; Acer saccharum ; Hardwood ; Mechanical properties ; Wear ; Permeability ; Density ; Manufacturing ; Water wheels ; Journal bearing ; Performance ; Particleboard ; Experimental study

Environmental engineering

Miljöteknik

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)