Effect of chevron-shaped wetting patterns on oil film thickness in cylinder-on-disc contact under starved lubrication or limited lubricant supply

authored by: Yuting Liu, Feng Guo, Wei Jin, Pat Lam Wong, Zhaogang Jing, Xinming Li, Gerhard Poll, Qingsong Chen
Abstract: This study addresses the oil starvation problem in roller bearing line contacts and proposes a novel Chevron-shaped wetting/oleophilic pattern on the bearing track to enhance oil replenishment. Validation through optical cylinder-on-disc lubrication film tests reveals the impact of the pattern on inlet oil supply and film thickness. Notably, a Chevron pattern oriented opposite to disc movement significantly increases film thickness. Wetting is more pronounced in oleophilic areas (Chevron pattern), forming an inverted V-shaped “virtual wall” that directs lubricant backflow toward the center and reduces side leakage. A pattern length equal to the bearing track width was found to be more effective compared to smaller sizes, as the oil side ridges are located on the oleophobic and oleophilic boundaries, which capitalizes the wettability step effect more effectively. This research provides a basis for designing oleophobic surfaces with improved anti-wear and anti-friction properties.
Organisation(s): Institute of Machine Elements and Engineering Design
External Organisation(s): Qingdao Technological University
Xiangyang Polytechnic
City University of Hong Kong
Shandong Zhongli Auto Parts Manufacturing Co.
Type: Article
Journal: Tribology international
Volume: 194
No. of pages: 12
ISSN: 0301-679X
Publication date: 06.2024
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Mechanics of Materials, Mechanical Engineering, Surfaces and Interfaces, Surfaces, Coatings and Films
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2024.109469 (Access: Closed)

BibTeX

@article{dc3954f43ef248a987470e1fe9c73fe5,
title = "Effect of chevron-shaped wetting patterns on oil film thickness in cylinder-on-disc contact under starved lubrication or limited lubricant supply",
abstract = "This study addresses the oil starvation problem in roller bearing line contacts and proposes a novel Chevron-shaped wetting/oleophilic pattern on the bearing track to enhance oil replenishment. Validation through optical cylinder-on-disc lubrication film tests reveals the impact of the pattern on inlet oil supply and film thickness. Notably, a Chevron pattern oriented opposite to disc movement significantly increases film thickness. Wetting is more pronounced in oleophilic areas (Chevron pattern), forming an inverted V-shaped “virtual wall” that directs lubricant backflow toward the center and reduces side leakage. A pattern length equal to the bearing track width was found to be more effective compared to smaller sizes, as the oil side ridges are located on the oleophobic and oleophilic boundaries, which capitalizes the wettability step effect more effectively. This research provides a basis for designing oleophobic surfaces with improved anti-wear and anti-friction properties.",
keywords = "Chevron, Limited lubricant supply, Line contact, Oil starvation, Wetting pattern",
author = "Yuting Liu and Feng Guo and Wei Jin and Wong, {Pat Lam} and Zhaogang Jing and Xinming Li and Gerhard Poll and Qingsong Chen",
note = "Funding Information: The authors are grateful for the financial support from Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52175173), Sino-German Mobility Program (No. M0380) and Shandong Zhilian Community Bearing Technology Co. Ltd. (KF-0084).",
year = "2024",
month = jun,
doi = "10.1016/j.triboint.2024.109469",
language = "English",
volume = "194",
journal = "Tribology international",
issn = "0301-679X",
publisher = "Elsevier Inc.",
}