Loss of Power in Plain Bearings in the Arctic Zone of Russia

The determination of power losses in motor-axle plain bearings depends on the reliable estimation of friction coefficient value, which can vary from 0,001 to 0,15. The value of the friction coefficient depends on the mode of friction, the oil's physical and chemical properties, and the sliding bearing's design features. The work aims to evaluate the power loss in the motor-axle sliding bearings, taking into account the influence of oil temperature and operating conditions. Determination of power losses in the motor-axle plain bearings has been carried out based on mathematical dependences describing the friction mode depending on the angular velocity of the wheel pair and the physical and chemical properties of the oil. The analysis of the calculated characteristics of power losses in the motor-axle bearings has shown that the main factor determining the character of friction value is the temperature of the motor-axle sliding bearing heating. The obtained outcomes of calculation and analysis of friction coefficient characteristics, friction mode, power loss values depending on heating temperature, and diametrical clearance give grounds to offer recommendations on the selection of lubricant type, design of motor-axle sliding bearings to reduce power losses in the drive of transport machines.