Optimizing surface texture for hydrodynamic lubricated contacts using a mass-conserving numerical approach

Abstract

Surface texturing has been shown to reduce friction and increase the film thickness in various tribological applications (hydrodynamic bearings, mechanical seals, and cylinder-liner contacts). However, only few studies discuss optimal texturing properties, and most of them focus on the optimal dimple shape. This article proposes an in-depth study on the influence of cavitation and of different texturing parameters, especially the dimple depth, the texture extent, and the dimple aspect, on the hydrodynamic performance of textured contacts. The results are derived numerically, for contacts between plane surfaces that are parallel or inclined with respect to each other. The performance gains (film thickness and friction force) obtained by texturing are evaluated with respect to the performance of smooth contacts. Most notable findings are the optimal extent of the textured region (partial texturing and trapezoidal shape) and the optimal dimple aspect (longitudinal). Cavitation is shown to have a significant influence on the performance of near-parallel textured contacts, although it does not appear to contribute to the generated hydrodynamic lift. It is equally shown that the dimple arrangement with respect to the leading edge is a determining factor for the performance of near-parallel textured sliders.

Thermohydrodynamic analysis of a textured sector-pad thrust bearing: effects on mechanical deformations

“…The optimal texture geometry (groove depth and total texture length) was found to vary significantly with the bearing convergence ratio and width-to-length ratio. Similar trends on the effects of texture patterns on bearing load capacity, a Corresponding author: chpap@central.ntua.gr accompanied by illustration of reduction in friction coefficient, were presented in the works of Cupillard et al [2] and Dobrica et al [3]. Further attempts to optimize textured bearings include the work of Van Ostayen et al [4] (maximization of bearing load capacity using a PDEconstrained optimization solver) and Buscaglia et al [5] (minimization of friction coefficient of slider bearings comprising rectangular dimples).…”

Effects of Multi‐Scale Patterning on the Run‐In Behavior of Steel–Alumina Pairings under Lubricated Conditions

“…Moreover, www.advancedsciencenews.com www.aem-journal.com surface structures with a larger structural depth have a higher probability for cavitation, thus reducing the oil film thickness and load bearing capacity. [23,35] Taking the worsened frictional behavior of A3 into consideration, the idea was to check whether the additional laser pattern leads to an improved frictional performance.…”

Modelação matemática de contatos lubrificados micro-texturizados

“…Making use of Reynolds model, Gadeschi et al [44], and later Checo et al [21] employing Elrod-Adams model, showed that for a fixed load it is possible to obtain a configuration that minimizes the friction only for moderate R/L (≈ 10) or higher. These results are in agreement with pioneering experiments made by Costa & Hutchins [31], and with latter studies by Tomanik [85,86], Kovalchenko et al [60], Yin et al [90], Scaraggi et al [81], among others [33,2,50].…”