An Investigation into the Optimal Dimple Geometry in a Single-Dimple Sliding Contact

Abstract

This study analyzes the influence of nine distinct texture geometries on a convergent oil film gap using a simulation model. The geometrical dimensions of the textures are characterized by the texture area density, Stex.,A and the ratio of the textured-to-untextured area (Atex./A0). The results show that different texture geometries optimize the tribological performance depending on the value of Stex.,A. Rectangular textures with variable widths (85% of the texture length atex.) significantly enhance lifting and the drag force across a broad range of Stex.,A. Furthermore, rectangular textures with a constant width (85% of the global width b0) show the best improvement within this study. The investigation also reveals that a small texture pitch angle, αtex, further enhances tribological performance.