This article is an experimental and numerical study on elastohydrodynamic behavior of a plain cylindrical journal bearing subjected to the radial loads. An experimental study conducted on the effects of applied load on the determination of the characteristics of a cylindrical journal bearing, with 100 mm diameter and a radial clearance of 0.09 mm. The bearing is made of steel backing material and babitted (88% tin) on its inner surface. Lubrication is insured using PM3 type oil which features good rheological properties as well as a large density. The operating conditions are variable, with the radial load ranging up to 10 kN and the rotational speed ranging up to 2000 r/min. The numerical analysis investigates the deformation effects on the bearing behavior. This analysis considers the impact of various parameters such as rotational speed up to 9000 r/min, radial load up to 150 kN. Finally, the numerical predictions have been validated in comparison with experimental data.

No abstract