Tribological properties of the QAL9-4 and 17-4PH textured friction pair with water lubrication

Abstract

To study the lubrication and wear reduction characteristics of the QAL9-4 and 17-4pH textured friction pair during water lubrication, the dynamic pressure bearing and cavitation characteristics were analyzed using a computational fluid dynamics method. Then, based on 13 groups of samples with different depths, diameters, and area ratios, relevant frictional and wear tests were carried out. The results showed that the texture affected the pressure distribution in the textured region and improved the liquid film bearing capacity, which increased gradually as the equivalent Reynolds number increased. Under test conditions, the texture parameters had a significant influence on lubrication and wear reduction performance. The optimum texture diameter, the depth, and the area ratio were 300 µm, 40 µm, and 10%, respectively. The wear tracks on the textured specimens were small in size and shallow in depth compared to those on the non-textured specimens. The wear tracks on the textured specimens were regional, and there were more wear tracks in the area without micro-dimples. In summary, it was feasible to apply surface texture to the QAL9-4 and 17-4PH friction pair to improve the lubrication and wear reduction characteristics with water lubrication.