Investigating the influence of surface texturing on hydrodynamic bearings

Surface texturing has recently been explored in optimising tribological performances by controlling friction between two contacting surfaces. While many encouraging results are being obtained, its application in real engineering practices requires a comprehensive understanding of the surface tribology to design, predict and optimise the performance of structured bearings surfaces as well as accommodating cost-effective manufacturing processes.

Supported by Schaeffler Technologies, this research aims to investigate the influence of surface texturing on the performance of tribological contacts such as bearings through both numerical and experimental studies as well optimising textures in support of future applications in automotive, renewable and submerged equipment.

Through an EPSRC Case Award from 2014, a PhD study has developed a mathematic model based on modified Reynolds equations and advanced discretization methods that can prediction performance of textured surfaces accurately but at much faster computing speeds than Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This study follows from the previous project and will investe wider range of engineering applications under varied operating condition, including prediction of dynamic coefficient of damping and stiffness, essential for rotor-dynamic stability of high speed machinery.