Theoretical and experimental analysis of a partially textured thrust bearing with square dimples

Surface texturing has proved to be very efficient in full and mixed lubrication, reducing the friction coefficient and the wear rate of mating surfaces. By partially texturing the inlet zone of a thrust washer pad load carrying capacity is generated in the system. In the present paper, a partially textured thrust bearing with square dimples is analysed theoretically using a thermo-hydrodynamic model. The equations are solved numerically by the finite-difference method. The bearing was realized by the photolithographic method and the theoretical results (fluid film thickness and friction torque) were compared with the experimental data obtained on the test rig. It is found that an optimal number of 12 sectors maximize the load carrying capacity of the bearing. The optimal textured fraction, which maximizes the load carrying capacity is 0.5 on the circumferential direction and 0.9-1 on the radial direction. A good correlation was found between the theoretical and experimental results for the two measured parameters (fluid film thickness and friction torque).