Deterministic micro asperities show potential for enhancement of lubrication in conformal contacts as found in many bearing and seal designs. Several manufacturing methods have been proposed for deterministic micro asperities. Of these, laser texturing has emerged as the most viable option. This paper proposes the LIGA MEMs manufacturing method as an alternative. Using LIGA, surfaces with patterned micron sized surface features of arbitrary cross section (cylindrical, hex, triangular, etc.) can be fabricated from electroplated nickel, gel-cast silicon nitride or plastic. The resulting asperities can be positive (protuberances) or negative (recesses) and can have heights (depths) from 1–1000 microns and be patterned over surface areas up to about 150 mm × 150 mm. In this paper, the LIGA method is used to fabricate a sample thrust bearing surface with a hexagonal array of positive asperities. The resulting asperities are 550 μm in average diameter, 165 μm in edge-to-edge spacing and have heights of 3–100μm. Surface metrology indicates sub-micron accuracy of form and 13 nm Ra roughness on the asperity tops (land). Tribology testing in a non-pressurized oil bath indicates full film conditions and shows a 14–22% reduction in friction coefficient for a thrust surface covered with the micro asperities. A model confirms the experimental trends and indicates the potential to further reduce the friction coefficient by about 60% through optimization of the asperity geometry and layout.
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ASME Turbo Expo 2002: Power for Land, Sea, and Air
June 3–6, 2002
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Conference Sponsors:
- International Gas Turbine Institute
ISBN:
0-7918-3609-6
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Deterministic Micro Asperities on Bearings and Seals Using a Modified LIGA Process
Lyndon Scott Stephens,
Lyndon Scott Stephens
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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Ravi Siripuram,
Ravi Siripuram
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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Matthew Hayden,
Matthew Hayden
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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Bianca McCartt
Bianca McCartt
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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Lyndon Scott Stephens
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Ravi Siripuram
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Matthew Hayden
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Bianca McCartt
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Paper No:
GT2002-30289, pp. 573-580; 8 pages
Published Online:
February 4, 2009
Citation
Stephens, LS, Siripuram, R, Hayden, M, & McCartt, B. "Deterministic Micro Asperities on Bearings and Seals Using a Modified LIGA Process." Proceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo 2002: Power for Land, Sea, and Air. Volume 4: Turbo Expo 2002, Parts A and B. Amsterdam, The Netherlands. June 3–6, 2002. pp. 573-580. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/GT2002-30289
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