Experiment:

Determine friction in axel bearing using Axel Friction Apparatus.

Objective:
The object of the experiments is to determine the frictional torque of plain
bearings made from different materials and to compare it with a rolling element or ball
bearing.

Apparatus:
The apparatus consists of a solid wheel
mounted upon an axle. The axle can be supported in
ball or plain bearings. The plain bearings can be ball,
bronze or polymer. The bearing housings are arranged
on a wall bracket. An accelerating mass of acts under
gravity via a light cord wrapped around the axel

Theory: Figure 1: Axel Friction Apparatus

All shafts are supported in bearings of one form or another. The design of these
bearings is crucial to the performance of the machine. Without the correct bearing a
machine may be impossible to run. As in all practical Engineering there is a compromise
between efficiency of the machine and cost of the bearing. A plain bearing made of iron
or bronze for a steel shaft is very simple and can tolerate misuse. It is also simple to
make and requires a low level of technology to manufacture. But it has a fairly high
friction level, thus it absorbs power and the machine to which these bearings are fitted
costs more to run. A rolling element bearing, such as a ball bearing, has low friction and
reduces machine operating costs but it requires high standards of manufacture and
installation, it cannot tolerate dust or dirt without seizing and thus must be operated in a
carefully controlled environment. This can be achieved by fitting the correct type of seal
but does add to the complexity of the machine.
 M = mass of flywheel and axle = 20 kg

D = diameter of the flywheel = 30 cm

d = diameter of the spindle = 2.4 cm

m1 = mass producing the rotation

I = moment of inertia of the flywheel and spindle

am1 = linear acceleration of m1

α = angular acceleration of the wheel = 2 am1 / d

T = tension in the load cord in N

s = height of m1 above to reach the floor

t = time in seconds for m1 to reach the floor

Ftorque = friction torque at the bearings

In the experiments we will examine four different bearings. These are nylon, iron
and bronze plain bearings and a rolling element bearing.

Wheel and axel attached to hanger (m1) with the help of string. Force causing motion of
m1 will have magnitude equal to the difference of weight acting downward and string
tension prevent motion of m1.

Thus m1g –T = m1 am1 (F = ma)

 T = m1 (g- am1) (1)

Torque acting on axel because of string tension = T d/2

Since friction in bearing tend to increase torsion effect on axel then total torque will be
given by:

T d/2 = I α + Ftorque

Ftorque = T d/2 - I α

Ftorque = m1 (g- am1) d/2 – I (2 am1 / d) (2)

Let m1 starts from rest, then:-

S = ½ am1 t2

Substituting am1 in eq (2) we will get

Ftorque = - (m1d+ )

Note: Corrected formula for Ftorque

Procedure:
The wheel and axle can be lifted out of the supporting wall bracket. Use scales to
weigh the wheel unit take care not to damage the journals on both ends of the flywheel
shaft. Also exercise caution when manually handling a load such as the flywheel.

To test the Ball Bearings, simply fit the bearings to the axle journals. Then place
the unit onto the bracket. The axle will be supported by the ball bearings.

To test a set of Plain Bearings, lift-up the wheel and axle unit and slide a bearing
onto each end of the axle. The plain bearings have a location peg and this MUST be
placed in the hole in the housing. This ensures the motion is between the axle and
bearing and NOT between the bearing and its housing.

Experiment One - Static Coefficient of Friction

Wrap the cord around the axle, as shown in diagram. Gradually increase m1 until
the flywheel just begins to rotate. The static coefficient of friction may be calculated from
 μs =
Where r is the radius of the plain journal bearing or the mean radius of the ball
bearing.

Values of r:

Nylon = 1 cm

Steel = 1 cm

Brass = 1 cm

Ball Bearing mean radius = 1.3 cm

Experiment Two- Kinetic Coefficient of Friction

The mass m1 found for each type of bearing will give an indication of that
required for rotation of the flywheel.

Measure the distance, s and measure time t for the mass to fall to the floor. If the load
cord will not reach to the floor use a small stool or chair to catch the weights rather than
letting them drop when the cord is at its fullest extent. You should aim to have a
distance‘s’, of at least 1metre.

Take the average of three or four t values for each value of m1. should time
permit try three values of m1.

The kinetic coefficient of friction can then be found from

μk =

Where:

Ftorque = - (m1d+ )

And I=
Safety Precautions:
 No eating or drinking in the lab.
 Be careful while handling heavy equipment.
 Do not perform unauthorized experiment by yourself.
 Never leave experiment that is in progress unattended.
 No Laboratory Work should be carried out in the absence of instructor.
 Shoes should not be slippery in order to avoid any slippage of student on lab
floor.
 In case of serious injury, requiring professional medical attention the student(s)
should contact the MEDICAL CENTER Department, Extension 1666.
 KEEP YOUR FEET OUT FROM UNDER THE LOADS.

Parts Illustration:
Part Nr. Description
1. Test bearing
2. Wall bracket
3. Logo badge
4. Wheel
5. Name & number plate
6. Bearing housing
7. Load cord
8. Load hanger
9. Product lable
10. Axle

This Manual Comprised of two experiments thus it will be evaluated from absolute 20
Marks