Boundary Lubricated Friction Experiments With Coarse Surface Texture

Low-speed friction experiments were conducted under boundary lubrication in a pin-on-disk tester. The 304 stainless steel disk had smooth areas alternating with areas of coarse surface texture consisting of indents or macroscopic grooves, 0.3–0.4 mm in size and in area fractions varying between 25 and 70%. The 3.2 mm flat pin was also SS304. The coarse texture has detrimental effects. For each pattern the friction coefficient is greater than for the smooth areas. It becomes independent of load as boundary conditions set in. In comparing various patterns it is noted that this friction coefficient increases with pressure or with the amount of area removed to form the texture. It is suggested that partial removal of surface area to form the texture reduces the number of trapped liquid patches, which otherwise can provide low-friction load support. The coarse texture may also conduct lubricant away from the contact area.