WATER‐LUBRICATED RUBBER BEARINGS, HISTORY AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS

ABSTRACT Rubber bearings are simple, robust and highly reliable devices, able to perform for long periods of time with little or no attention and often under very adverse operating conditions. They have been used as stern tube bearings in a multitude of vessels from small work boats to battleships, as well as many other types of service for over sixty years. Discussed are new developments that greatly reduce friction and wear, especially at low journal velocities, as well as weight. These improved characteristics mean that rubber bearings can be shortened from the presently used length‐to‐diameter ratios or the presently used lengths can be utilized to support much larger radial loads. Other developments discussed are a self‐aligning mounting ring of rubber around the bearing housing and using rubber bearings with oil as the lubricant for inboard and onshore applications. Recent developments covered include the field experience and satisfactory performance of Romor° thin rubber, plastic‐backed staves installed as stern tube bearings during the last seven years in a large number of U.S. Navy ships and other commercial water‐lubricated bearing applications. Research and development results of a continuing product improvement program are reported.