Objectives  The stern tube rubber bearing is an important part of marine propulsion systems. However, under unfavorable low-speed, heavy duty and partial high-temperature working conditions, bad lubrication can occur and cause friction-induced vibration.

  Methods  Laboratory tests are carried out to ascertain the friction-induced vibration characteristics of a stern tube rubber bearing. The pressure, temperature and speed of the rubber bearing are adjusted until friction phenomena occurs, and the time domain spectrum, frequency domain spectrum and shaft orbit test technology are then utilized to obtaining the vibration characteristics of the stern tube rubber bearing and shaft.

  Results  The time domain spectrum presents the pulse shape of the base. In the friction-induced vibration of the rubber bearing and shaft, the frequency domain spectrum presents peak frequency and double frequency, while the shaft orbit presents distortion and a sharp-angled shape.

  Conclusions  This paper can provide an analysis tool for ascertaining friction in testing stern tube rubber bearings for test-beds and ships.