An Analytical And Experimental Parametric Study of Texturing In Slider Bearings Under Hydrodynamic/Mixed Lubrication

Abstract

An analytical approach is advantageous in providing a more generic in-depth understanding of the nature of the relationships among texture parameters. Considering the corresponding variation of film thickness, the effects of operating parameters on the optimal texture geometric parameters are clarified analytically, with a trial algorithm adopted to overcome the difficulty of direct analysis. The interaction and cooperation between the parameters are highlighted. The relationship between film thickness (or load support) and friction resistance is also analyzed, and series of pin-on-disk tests are performed to assess the results from the analytical approach. Three laser-etched rectangular textures with different sizes are tested for friction coefficients, under a range of applied loads and speeds. Both analytical and experimental results show that the optimal dimple breadth and depth decrease with the increase of load, and the optimal dimple depth increases with the increase of sliding speed.