Experimental Study on Roughness Parameters Variation, During Running – in Period, for a Cylinder-Plane Friction Couple

Abstract

The studies of various lubrication problems have been recently focused on atypical geometrical and operating conditions (extreme conditions). Among these cases, one can find analyses of HD bearings having surface macroscopic defects. The aim of the present work is the analysis of the consequences (positives or negatives) of a transverse groove (representing an idealized surface defect) on the load capacity of a classical step bearing. The analytical and numerical (CFD) study of the bearing performance characteristics reveals that, for certain conditions, paradoxically, the defect is beneficial. A parametric analysis shows that optimum position of the groove leading edge is close to the step. These conclusions can be useful in studies of maintenance of lubricated friction couples.