Non-Uniform Laser Surface Texturing of an Un-Tapered Square Pad for Tribological Applications

Bibliographic Details
Title: Non-Uniform Laser Surface Texturing of an Un-Tapered Square Pad for Tribological Applications
Authors: Antonio Ancona, Gagandeep Singh Joshi, Annalisa Volpe, Michele Scaraggi, Pietro Mario Lugarà, Giuseppe Carbone
Source: Lubricants, Vol 5, Iss 4, p 41 (2017)
Publisher Information: MDPI AG, 2017.
Publication Year: 2017
Collection: LCC:Science
Subject Terms: surface texturing, friction reduction, ultrafast laser, femtosecond laser ablation, Bruggeman texture hydrodynamics, Science
More Details: Femtosecond laser surface micro-texturing has emerged as a promising technology to enhance the tribological properties of different kinds of electromechanical devices. In this research paper, we have exploited the intrinsic flexibility and micrometric accuracy of femtosecond laser ablation to realize complex micro-structural modifications on the surface of a laboratory prototype of a steel thrust bearing (un-tapered) pad. The Bruggeman Texture Hydrodynamics theory (BTH) is employed for the design of the anisotropic and non-uniform texture maximizing the thrust load of the pad prototype. The preliminary experimental results, reported in this work, show that the non-uniform micro-texture largely affects the friction characteristics of the contact. In particular, in agreement with the BTH predictions, the tribo-system shows friction properties that are strongly sensitive to the direction of the sliding speed, as a consequence of the micro-fluid dynamics which are designed to occur only in a specific sliding direction. We suggest that the joint action of virtual prototyping (BTH lubrication theory) and ultrafast laser micro-prototyping can lead to unconventional and impressive results in terms of enhanced or tailored contact mechanics properties of the generic lubricated tribopair.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2075-4442
Relation: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4442/5/4/41; https://doaj.org/toc/2075-4442
DOI: 10.3390/lubricants5040041
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/9715a27fe6f8482a97717e216214b8b1
Accession Number: edsdoj.9715a27fe6f8482a97717e216214b8b1
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:20754442
DOI:10.3390/lubricants5040041
Published in:Lubricants
Language:English