Effect of Surface Pattern on Stribeck Curve

The effect of surface pattern on frictional characteristics of lubricated contact is studied. An algorithm based on the load-sharing concept is developed which assumes that the total transmitted load is carried by the asperities as well as the fluid film. Surface roughness for specified values of surface pattern number is generated assuming a Gaussian height distribution and Stribeck-type curves are obtained for isotropic, transverse, and longitudinal surfaces. The predictions of the model are verified by comparing published results on non-conformal contact of rollers and also a heavily loaded, conformal pin-bushing assembly. The results reveal that surfaces with transverse pattern generate larger friction than those with longitudinal surfaces. Transverse surfaces perform a higher film-forming capacity compared to isotropic and longitudinal surfaces.