Simulation and experimental research on the cavitation phenomenon of wedge-shaped triangular texture on the surface of 3D-printed titanium alloy materials

Abstract

This study explores how wedge-shaped microtexturing enhances Ti6Al4V alloy's anti-friction and wear resistance, aiming to improve titanium alloy applications. A three-dimensional model was built using Ansys Software, and optimal parameters were selected: 900 µm for the bottom edge and height, 300 µm for the texture depth. The properties of Ti6Al4V samples with wedge-shaped triangular weave were tested using the MRTR-1 friction and wear experimental machine. The wear changes on the sample surface were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results show that the texture significantly improves the load-carrying capacity of the oil film in a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model that takes into account the cavitation effect, and the direction and depth of the texture have a significant effect on the pressure. Friction experiments showed that the wedge-shaped triangular texture reduced the average coefficient of friction and wear compared to the non-textured surface. The Ti6Al4V material with a 3D printed wedge-shaped triangular texture showed the best friction and wear resistance at a texture depth of 300 µm and in a counterclockwise orientation. The vortex structure formed within the texture is the primary mechanism that provides hydrodynamic lubrication to the friction surface and effectively retains lubricant and debris. This helps to minimize three-body wear between the friction pair.