Tribological effects of laser surface texturing and residual stress

TLDR: In this article, the authors investigate the tribological effects of laser surface texturing and residual stress on functional surfaces and find that the surfaces with larger textured area density have better performance in both friction reduction and wear resistance.

Abstract: Purpose To investigate the tribological effects of laser surface texturing and residual stress on functional surfaces. Design/methodology/approach Three different surface textures (circular dimple, elliptical dimple, and groove) with two different textured area ratios (10% and 20%) are designed and fabricated by a Picosecond Nd YAG Laser machine. The friction and wear performance of textured specimens is tested using a UMT-2 friction and wear testing machine in mixed lubrication. Findings Test results show that elliptical dimples have the best performance in wear resistance, circular dimples have the best performance in friction reduction, and grooves have the best performance in stabilization of friction. The surfaces with larger textured area density have better performance in both friction reduction and wear resistance. The improved performance of LST is the coupled effect of surface texture and residual stress. Originality/value The findings of this study may provide guidance for optimal design of fun...