On the optimum dimple depth-over-diameter ratio for textured surfaces

Abstract

It is well accepted that the ratio of the dimple depth-over-diameter is a key geometric parameter in surface texturing design. In this article, the effect of this ratio on the average pressure is investigated by solving Reynolds equation numerically, where the Jakobsson-Floberg-Olsson cavitation theory is implemented using a mass-conservative algorithm. The results show that the optimum dimple depth-over-diameter ratio should be determined at the given depth or diameter larger than a critical value. Otherwise, the considerably smaller maximum value of average pressure will be obtained. Moreover, a dimple depth or diameter should be selected carefully in conjunction with the operating conditions to determine the optimum dimple depth-over-diameter ratio.