Three-dimensional topography analysis of electrical discharge textured SS304 surfaces

Abstract

• Present comprehensive three-dimensional topography analysis of EDT SS304 surfaces. • Peak count distribution of textured surface flattens as discharge energy increases. • Rough surfaces with taller, sharper, and less dense peaks at high discharge energy. • High discharge energy improves wetting and sealing properties of textured surface. • Running-in wear volume and lubricant retention capacity are also improved. In the current work, a comprehensive three-dimensional topography characterization of electrical discharge textured SS304 surfaces is performed under the following heads: quantitative representation, microstructures and their distributions, and surface functionality. Topography analysis reveals that peak count distribution tends to become flattened with their mean shifting to higher heights when discharge energy increases. Higher discharge energy generates rougher textured surfaces with taller and sharper, but less densely distributed peaks. These textured surfaces also show improvement in wetting and sealing properties, more running-in period wear volume, more surface area for load carrying, and improved lubricant retention capacity.