BEARING LOADS

Examples of journal bearings. Left: The shaft simply runs in holes in the structural members of
the machine, which may be steel or cast iron. Right: The shaft runs in separate components of the
general style known as PLUMMER BLOCKS. Plummer blocks are usually fitted with BUSHES made from a
material which has good wearing properties, such as bronze. The advantage in using bushes is that the
BUSH can be replaced when it becomes worn. See Fig 5-30 below for examples of bushes.

Examples of bushes and their application. Top left: A PLAIN BUSH which does not provide axial
location, and a FLANGED BUSH. Top right: A shoulder on a shaft can be designed to contact the flanged
bush to restrict the shafts axial movement in one direction. Bottom left: Although it is usual to use
bushes on rotating shafts, four PLAIN BUSHES have been used in this example to provide precise sliding
movement of the platform relative to the base. Bottom right: Examples of bushes with provision for
lubrication.

Plain bearings are usually lubricated by grease or oil, supplied by an oil drip lubricator or a ring
oiler or by periodic application of an oil-can.
 Alternatively, it is possible to design a plain bearing as an air- or gas-lubricated bearing, which
requires a constant supply of gas under pressure. Gas-lubricated bearings are beyond the scope of these
notes.

Friction is higher than for rolling-contact bearings. Starting friction of plain bearings is
significantly higher than running friction.

Well-designed plain bearings can have an extremely long life. However, they can fail without
warning.

Plain bearings run more quietly than rolling-contact bearings.