Design, Manufacture and Characterization of a Journal Bearing Demonstration Unit

Abstract

The paper examines the potential for the indigenous design and manufacture of laboratory equipment used for demonstrating the engineering principles of taught courses in our Engineering Schools.  Using the Demonstration Journal Bearing as a case-study it is shown that imaginative modifications to classical design could result to a prototype within the technical capability of our local skilled technicians and available machine-tools. It recommends that engineers in the private sector should work together with academia to popularize this potential, which, in addition to solving a chronic problem that holds ominous consequences for the survival of sound engineering practice for the nation in the years ahead, is going to be profitable in national image, even if not too lucrative, financially.