The friction properties of a textured aluminum disc mated with a hardened steel ring were evaluated in lubricated conditions. A fiber laser engraving technique was used to fabricate aligned bump textures with a diameter of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm, and the area fractions of 20% and 40%. The friction experiment was carried out under a load of 400 N and a sliding speed of 2.0 m/s. The friction coefficient of a non-textured surface increased rapidly from the beginning of the experiment. The aluminum surface was discolored, and a large material transfer was observed on the mated steel surface. In contrast, the friction coefficient of the textured surface decreased rapidly as the sliding distance increased. Discoloration of the mated steel surface was observed without any material transfer. Spherical wear debris was observed at the edge of the bump and along with the extension of its trailing edge. The effects of texture geometry on friction properties were discussed in relation to the suppression of dynamic lubricant pressure buildup and junction growth.
ISHIMOTO et al. (Wed,) studied this question.