Optimization of Texture Geometry for Enhanced Tribological Performance in Piston Ring-Cylinder Liner Contact Under Pure Hydrodynamic and Mixed Lubrication

Abstract

Surface texture can be positive (protruded out of the surface) or negative (recessed into the surface). In the present work, a theoretical model is presented to study the impact of positive texturing on tribological performance by solving a modified Reynolds equation and asperity contact model under steady-state conditions. Positive surface textures are introduced on a flat piston ring surface under simulated conditions of piston ring-cylinder liner contact. The influence of various parameters such as texture shape and area density is investigated under pure hydrodynamic as well as mixed lubrication conditions. The results indicate that elliptical-shaped textures are found to be superior in improving the tribological performance parameters such as load support and friction coefficient.