A mixed lubrication model for studying tribological behaviors of surface texturing

An analytical numerical model is specifically developed to understand the tribological behavior of textured surface in mixed lubrication regime. The model employs the average flow Reynolds equation and an elasto-plastic contact model, established on the basis of finite element analysis, to calculate (i) the hydrodynamic pressure in full film region and (ii) the contact pressure in contact region, respectively. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) method is used to compute the elastic deformation of substrate. It is able to simulate Stribeck curve for the textured surface. Predictions demonstrate surface texturing reducing friction coefficient. Studies on the tribological influence of texture shape, depth, distance and diameter are also performed.