Study on Cavitation and Tribological of TiO₂ Nano-Film on Bearing Pads Surface.

Abstract

Bearings play a vital role in the operation of a two-axis system. Long-term bearing use inevitably produce bubbles and frictional damage. Therefore, the protection of bearings is critical for the stable operation of a two-axis system. In this study, a TiO₂ nanofilm is used to physically protect a bearing. The discretization method is used to analyse the cavitation process. Cavitation primarily occurs on the front surface of the pad during bearing operation. A finite element analysis of a bearing pad coated and not coated with TiO₂ nanofilms shows that TiO₂ nanofilms can effectively absorb the cavitation force exerted on pads, thereby reducing inflicted damage. Moreover, the TiO₂ nanofilm reduces the friction coefficient of the pad surface, promoting good bearing capacity of the bearing during rotation. The TiO₂ nanofilm serves as a protective layer that improves the anti-wear and bearing performance of a two-axis system.