What is the primary purpose of a journal bearing?

The primary purpose of a journal bearing is to support radial loads, which refers to the forces acting perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Journal bearings allow for smooth rotation of a shaft while evenly distributing the load across the bearing surface. This design helps minimize friction and wear, ensuring efficient operation of machinery.

While journal bearings can indirectly deal with other types of loads, such as axial or dynamic loads, their main function centers around effectively supporting and stabilizing radial loads, which are most critical in rotating systems. This functionality is vital in applications such as motors, turbines, and gearboxes, where the shaft typically experiences forces acting outward from the center of rotation. Understanding this fundamental role helps in selecting the appropriate bearing types in various mechanical systems.