Geometric influence on friction and wear performance of cast iron with a micro-dimpled surface

Abstract

Geometric influences on the tribological performances of cast iron with a micro-dimpled texture are researched experimentally. The friction coefficients are measured on four different dimpled shapes with various geometrical parameters with the changing of operating load and rotation speed by a ring-on-ring test rig. Finally the wear characteristics of different surfaces are also obtained to make comparisons. Results show that the effects of micro dimples improve the critical load and reduce the critical rotational speed and expand the range of hydrodynamic lubrication, meanwhile maintain a similar minimum of friction coefficient compared with a smooth surface. Geometrical parameters of micro dimples have significant influences on the friction coefficient.