The field of tribology covers all forms of friction. Dry, mixed and fluid friction all occur in journal bearings. Under operating conditions there is completely distinct fluid friction, so that the shaft and bearing shell are separated by a supporting lubricating film. The supporting function of the lubricating film can be described by the pressure distribution in the bearing gap.

The experimental unit TM 260.06 is used to visualise the radial pressure profile in the journal bearing with hydrodynamic lubrication.
To this end, the experimental unit contains an open bearing shell which only encloses a shaft half way and which simulates the journal bearing. The bearing shell is secured to two spring plates in such a way that it can be moved. Unlike real hydrodynamic journal bearings, the gap width can be adjusted via the radially moveable bearing housing by means of the spring plates and a micrometer screw.

The TM 260 drive unit is required in order to conduct experiments. The experimental unit is quickly and easily mounted on the frame of the drive unit with quick-action chucks. The shaft is driven by a clampable coupling between drive unit and gear unit. The display and control unit of the drive unit shows frictional force and speed and allows the continuous adjustment of the speed.
There are 13 measuring points around the circumference of the bearing shell to measure the pressure. The pressures are read off from a 13 tube manometers using the height of each column of liquid. The lubricant is supplied via an oil pan. The bearing shell is transparent, allowing close observation of the experiment.