Thermal state of gas turbine engine bearings

Aircraft gas turbine engine bearings operate under challenging conditions due to high operating loads. Computational and theoretical studies of bearing characteristics are challenging due to the complexity of modeling and accounting for all these factors. This paper presents the results of a computational and experimental study of the thermal state of gas turbine engine bearings. A description of the experimental setup is provided, including the test object – a roller bearing – a system for transmitting torque to the bearing’s inner race, and a measurement and recording system. The experimental methodology and data processing methods are based on the ZetLab measurement system. An analysis of the causes of increased bearing temperature under operating conditions and the influence of vibration levels on the characteristics of oil flow to the bearing is provided.

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