Abstract
This paper summarizes measures to enhance the load carrying capacity of crosshead bearings in large two-stroke diesel engines. Oil film thickness was accurately measured using a laser induced fluorescence method. A decrease in the clearance ratio was found to be effective in enhancing the squeeze action on the entirety of the bearing pads. However, too low clearance ratios degrade the formation of an adequate wedge film and reduce the load carrying capacity. Incorporating taper geometry modified oil grooves and an externally pressurized lubrication system promotes a thicker oil film leading to significant enhancement of the load carrying capacity. A tin-copper overlay using a tin bonding layer improves the running-in properties of aluminum-tin bearings and, in turn, enhances the load carrying capacity. A monitoring technique for abnormal vibrations was developed to detect the onset of severe metal-to-metal contact prior to complete seizure. Detection of these abnormal vibrations could be an effective means of preventing seizure, thereby improving the reliability of crosshead bearings.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 8 |
| Pages (from-to) | 258 |
| Number of pages | 265 |
| Journal | Journal of The Japan Institute of Marine Engineering |
| Volume | 44 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - Mar 1 2009 |