Assessment of wear resistance based on friction coefficient of a modified radial bearing design considering compressibility

The article addresses the development of a model for a modified design of a non-standard friction unit, characterized by a radial bearing lubricated with a non-classical compressible friction material. A new model has been developed based on generally accepted formulas: micropolar friction material displacement for "thin layer" use, continuity, and state equation. This model allows for the assessment of the hydrodynamic pressure value parameter, load-bearing capacity, and numerical friction value for engineering studies of a modified radial bearing design with a polymer coating on the shaft surface with an axial groove, taking into account compressibility under laminar flow conditions of the micropolar friction material. Special attention is given to the results of comparative characteristics of numerical and experimental results, considering new previously unaccounted parameters. Based on the obtained characteristics, it can be concluded that there is a significant increase in the practical applicability of the studied theoretical models, confirmed by experimental studies, which allow for an adequate assessment of the operational indicators of the modernized radial bearing design, taking into account updated variable factors. The modernized friction unit of the radial sliding bearing, based on the results of the conducted experiment, ensured the appearance of the shaft on the hydrodynamic wedge. The results of the calculated analysis of theoretical models confirmed an increase in load-bearing capacity by approximately 8-12% and a decrease in the friction coefficient by approximately 11-16%.