On the optimum dimple depth-over-diameter ratio for textured surfaces

Abstract

It is well accepted that the ratio of the dimple depth-over-diameter is a key geometric parameter in surface texturing design. In this article, the effect of this ratio on the average pressure is investigated by solving Reynolds equation numerically, where the Jakobsson–Floberg–Olsson cavitation theory is implemented using a mass-conservative algorithm. The results show that the optimum dimple depth-over-diameter ratio should be determined at the given depth or diameter larger than a critical value. Otherwise, the considerably smaller maximum value of average pressure will be obtained. Moreover, a dimple depth or diameter should be selected carefully in conjunction with the operating conditions to determine the optimum dimple depth-over-diameter ratio.