Fast laser surface texturing of spherical samples to improve the frictional performance of elasto-hydrodynamic lubricated contacts

Abstract Textured surfaces offer the potential to promote friction and wear reduction by increasing hydrodynamic pressure, fluid uptake, or acting as oil debris reservoirs. However, texturing techniques often require additional manufacturing steps costs, thus frequently being not economically feasible for real engineering applications. This experimental study aims at applying a fast laser technique on curved obtaining superior tribological performances. A femtosecond pulsed (Ti:Sapphire) direct interference patterning (with solid-state Nd:YAG laser) were used dimple groove patterns steel (ball samples). Tribological tests carried out under elasto-hydrodynamic lubricated contact conditions varying slide-roll ratio using ball-on-disk configuration. Furthermore, specific interferometry rough was measure film thickness of smooth textured surfaces. Smooth samples obtain data reference surface. The results showed that dimples promoted (up 20%) compared specimens, whereas grooves generally caused less beneficial detrimental effects. In addition, formation full lubrication lower speeds. demonstrates how could potentially be improving performance bearings well other mechanical components utilised in several