The friction and wear behavior of laser textured surfaces in non-conformal contact under starved lubrication

A series of dimple-textured surfaces with different geometrical parameters (area density, diameter and depth) were fabricated on the surface of middle carbon steel. And then the friction and wear tests were carried out to figure out the main factor that influences the friction and wear properties of the steel surface in non-conformal contact under starved lubricated condition. Furthermore, friction and wear behavior of the textured surfaces were analyzed in the process of wear aim to make a preliminary exploration of the wear-reducing mechanism of laser surface texturing. The results show that the depth of the dimple is the main factor that has a significant effect on the friction and wear properties. The best property was obtained for surfaces textured with a depth of 10 mu m, area density of 10% and diameter of 100 mu m. In addition, the friction coefficient has obvious characteristics in the different period of friction and wear. It can be divided into three stages which are defined as steady-state, variation-state and dry-friction, respectively. The surfaces textured optimum depths can effectively prolong the steady-state and reducing friction and wear in the variation-state that results in a longer sliding distance in the starved lubrication.

Automated summary

The study investigated the main factors influencing the friction and wear properties of steel surfaces under non-conformal contact in starved lubricated conditions, showing that the depth of dimples significantly affects these properties, with the best performance achieved for surfaces textured at a depth of 10 μm, an area density of 10%, and a diameter of 100 μm. Additionally, the friction coefficient exhibited distinct characteristics in different friction and wear stages, delineated as steady-state, variation-state, and dry-friction stages. Surfaces with optimal textured depths effectively prolonged the steady-state and reduced friction and wear during the variation-state, resulting in longer sliding distances in starved lubrication.