The effect of oil pockets size and distribution on wear in lubricated sliding

The paper reviews the current efforts being made on surface texturing and presents a literature analysis about running-in process of sliding components. The wear resistance test is described. The results of experimental investigations of the oil pockets (created by burnishing technique) existence effects on tribological performance of sliding elements under mixed lubrication conditions are presented. The block made from bronze contacted the steel ring. The wear intensity, friction coefficient and roughness were measured during the tests. Surface texturing of the block surface (area density between 20 and 26%) resulted in significant improvement in wear resistance in comparison to a system with a turned block. The paper deals also with the commonly observed behavior involving running-in followed by steady wear. We compared total wear rate of sliding elements and coefficient of friction in initial wear period with those during steady-state. It was found that running-in affected steady wear. When textured surface topography was removed, the equilibrium roughness was reached independently of the initial roughness. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.