A calculated model for the porosity effect of a self-lubricating composite on its lubrication property

► A lubricant characteristics calculated model using porous self-lubricating composite is developed. ► Lubricant distributions at various porosities with rough surface are presented. ► Lubricated wear of porous self-lubricating composite with different surface morphologies is studied. ► A novel theory of the porous self-lubricating composite optimal design is proposed.