The effect of creep on the lubrication property of rubber-plastic composite water-lubricated bearings

The deformation of water-lubricated bearings liner has a direct effect on lubrication properties. However, creep deformation is a key factor that has often been neglected in water-lubricated bearing design, manufacture, and operation. This paper investigated the creep deformation of rubber-plastic composites with different thicknesses. The creep effect on lubrication performance was also discussed. Creep tests were conducted using an electronic universal tensile tester. Based on the test results, the creep constitutive equation for rubber-plastic composites was determined. The lubrication model based on the creep constitutive equation was established to evaluate the water film pressure and thickness. The results showed that creep reduces the water film pressure and thickness of the water-lubricated stern bearing, and results in the loading region contraction. The shape contraction position of the water film shape in the outlet area shifts to the central position, and the depth of the contraction depression decreases. By reducing the thickness of the rubber-plastic composite, the water film pressure and thickness are increased. The shape of the water film in the outlet area shrinks and the position gradually shifts away from the center.