The testing and optimization of a bio-inspired textured piston for the BW-250 mud pump

Abstract

To reduce the friction, wear, and temperature of the piston-cylinder liner friction pair, we designed and processed 27 kinds of bio-inspired textured pistons with cylindrical pits. Based on the experimental optimization design method, friction test, wear test, and thermal imaging test were carried out. Results show that the textured pistons can significantly reduce the friction. Various texture parameters have different effects on the mean friction force. The wear of the textured pistons is significantly less than that of the standard piston. The influence of the texture parameters on piston wear are analyzed through range analysis, regression equation, and 3D response surface method. The standard piston suffers from serious wear and tear. The cylindrical pit texture can supply lubrication and store abrasive particles, which can improve the wear condition of the textured piston surface to a certain extent. The friction heat of the textured pistons is small, which can reduce the average temperature of the friction pair.