Directional Multiscale Analysis and Optimization for Surface Textures

• Published in: Tribology letters Vol. 49; no. 1; pp. 179 - 191
• Main Authors: Podsiadlo, Pawel, Stachowiak, Gwidon W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 2013; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Chemistry and Materials Science; Corrosion and Coatings; Exact solutions; Film thickness; Fractals; Materials Science; Multiscale analysis; Nanotechnology; Optimization; Original Paper; Physical Chemistry; Rheological properties; Rheology; Surface properties; Surfaces and Interfaces; Texturing; Theoretical and Applied Mechanics; Thin Films; Tribology; Surface characterization; Textured surfaces; Multiscale analysis
• ISSN: 1023-8883; 1573-2711
• DOI: 10.1007/s11249-012-0054-1

Surface texturing has a potential to become a cost effective and easy way to improve the tribological performance of lubricated interfacing surfaces. Effects of surface textures on the performance of machine elements as frictional pairs have been investigated over the past two decades. However, despite this research only a limited number of analytical solutions have been proposed as the majority of studies have been experimental and results obtained have not been optimal. This is because the commonly used surface characterization methods are not able to quantify surface textures over a range of scales at different directions and the optimization methods used work only for relatively simple textures and specific constraints imposed on pressure, film thickness, sliding velocity and lubricant rheology. Previous studies have addressed these issues, to some degree, by developing directional fractal signature methods and unified computational approach for texture optimization. In this article, recent advancements in the development of fractal methods and optimization of surface textures are presented.