Effect of raceway surface topography on the friction characteristics of HIPSN full ceramic bearings in dry friction

Purpose This study aims to clarify the effect of three-dimensional surface topography of the raceway on the friction characteristics of Hot Isostatic Pressing Silicon Nitride (HIPSN) full ceramic ball bearings under fully dry friction conditions, so as to improve the friction and wear performance and reduce the frictional heat generation of the bearings. Design/methodology/approach This study uses three-dimensional surface roughness parameters to quantitatively characterize the surface topography of the bearing raceway after superfinishing. This paper conducts a test study on HIPSN full ceramic angular contact ball bearings under fully dry friction conditions using a bearing friction and wear test rig and using scanning electron microscope to observe the raceway surfaces of the outer rings. Findings The three-dimensional surface topography of the raceway has a significant effect on the frictional characteristics of HIPSN full ceramic ball bearings in dry friction. The correlation degree ranking is Sa>Sq>Ssk>Sku>Sdr>Sdq. Within the range of test parameters, the bearing friction coefficient is proportional to the rotational speed and radial load. Reducing Sa, Sq, Ssk and Sku to achieve a uniform height distribution of asperities and reduce the sharpness of rough peaks can effectively reduce the friction coefficient and improve the bearing’s frictional performance. Originality/value This study provides a theoretical basis for the evaluation of frictional performance of the ceramic bearing raceway surface and has great significance for improving the operational characteristics and service life of Si3N4 full ceramic ball bearings under fully dry friction conditions. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-04-2025-0190/