The effects of ram pressure on the performances of tilting pad journal bearings in the consideration of journal speed and pivot position is investigated experimentally. A single tilting pad and a rotating journal are used. Film thicknesses and pressure distribution of the lubricating film are measured continuously for several values of coordinate of the pivot position and journal speed.
The findings of the investigation are as follows :
(1) The ram pressure increases, maximum pressure decreases and the pivot position which maximize the minimum film thickness shifts toward the leading edge According as the journal speed increases.
(2) The ram pressure makes it possible to generate the converging wedge and the positive pressure between the pad and the journal even when the pad is supported at the points between the leading edge and the center of the pad.
(3) The influence of the ram pressure on the performance of the tilting pad bearings is significant and must be considered in the design of these bearings.
