Orientation effects of micro-grooves on sliding surfaces

Based on a brief review of the researches related to the patterns of micro-grooves for tribological purpose, experiments were designed and carried out to study the orientation effects of grooves on the friction performance. The experimental data indicated that the grooves perpendicular or parallel to the sliding direction have a strong impact on the friction performance of sliding surfaces, and the merits of perpendicular or parallel orientation may swap under different contact conditions. The results were then discussed from the aspects of hydrodynamic effect, lubricant supply effect and contact stress effect.

► The effects of groove orientation on friction were studied experimentally.
► The orientation of grooves has a strong impact on the friction of sliding surfaces.
► The merits of perpendicular or parallel will swap at different contact conditions.
► Hydrodynamic effect, lubricant supply and contact stress effect were analyzed.