Oil soaked wood bearing
Practical Action
oil-soaked block bearing was used measuring 50mm x 50mm x 50mm with a 16mm diameter
bore, and this gave satisfactory results, al though tests were not extensive.
Performance
The following general points can be concluded.
The running-in period is or critical importance. It is characterised by a high initial rate or
wear whilst smoothing and polishing or the bearing surface takes place, after which wear
becomes approximately proportional to time.
The greater the speed of rotation, the greater the wear, especially during the running-in
period.
The greater the axle loading, the greater the rate of wear.
More specifically, wear is approximately proportional to load, but increases rapidly for small
increments in speed.
Very high loading and low speeds should be avoided since this results in a jerking movement
of the journal in the bearing and subsequent shaking and vibration will result in wear of other
parts.
References and further reading
Atkinson, D.A. The characteristics of bearings when employed in slow running
machinery, University of Manchester Inst. Science & Technology (UMIST) April, 1972.
TR37 Twin Wood Plain Bearing Axle for Donkey Carts (1999) 13pp: Low-cost Animal Cart
Programme, DTU
TR35 Making a flatbit for drilling holes in wood (1999) 4pp: Low-cost Animal Cart
Programme, DTU
H.S. Pearson, C.E. Oram & T.H. Thomas WP43 African Ox-Cart Design and Manufacture,
DTU, (1994) 62 pp.
Coombs, R.M. & Pearson, H.S. The ITDG wood bearing ox cart. ITDG/GRZ Project,
Magoye, Zambia February 1974.
Design and Manufacture of Animal Drawn Carts Barwell & Hathaway, Practical Action
Publishing
Practical Action Technical Briefs Animal Drawn Carts
Useful address
Development Technology Unit (DTU)
School of Engineering
University of Warwick
Coventry CV4 7AL
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1203 522339
Fax: +44 (0)1203 418922
E-mail: dtu@eng.warwick.ac.uk
Website: http://www.eng.warwick.ac.uk/DTU
The DTU is a research unit within the School of Engineering at the University of Warwick.
The aim of the DTU is to research and promote appropriate technologies for application in
Developing Countries.
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