Frictional noise mitigation using synergetic approach of laser surface texturing and bio-lubrication

Abstract

In this research study, the effect of laser surface texturing on friction induced noise under dry and lubricated sliding is investigated. Disc samples of EN 31 steel were ablated with dimples of 70 µm with varying pitch. The tribo-tests were conducted in anechoic chamber at a constant normal load of 10 N and frictional noise was studied in relation to sliding frequency and dimple pitch. Textured surfaces with 150 µm dimple pitch reduced friction and noise in lubricated conditions. FESEM and EDS were used to analyze the worn surfaces. Taguchi integrated Grey analysis revealed that optimal average frictional noise and COF are obtained under lubricated conditions with 10 Hz sliding frequency and 150 µm dimple pitch.