The Effect of Laser Texturing of Steel Surfaces on Film Lubriction Based on Stribeck Curves

Abstract

Laser surface texturing (LST) is an emerging, effective method for improving the tribological performance of friction units lubricated with oil since it can generate hydrodynamic pressure between oil-lubricated parallel sliding surfaces. The purpose of this study is to find the effect of geometric parameter of surface texture to decrease the friction coefficient of flat bearings working in oil. Micro-pits, evenly distributed in an annular array, were selected as the texture pattern, and formed on one of the friction surfaces by pulsed laser. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of LST on friction coefficient of oil lubricating and the compares between textured surface and polished surface were carried out. The results are summarized in the form of stribeck curves. It was found that an appropriate geometric parameter of micro-pits exists, where the friction coefficient can be decreased at least twice over that of a polished surface.