Friction and Vibration Behaviors of Lubricated Laser Textured Point Contacts under Reciprocating Rolling Motion with Highlights on the Used Laser Parameters

The femto second pulsed laser having ultra-short pulse duration has significant advantage in creation of specific micro features on surfaces of tribo-elements for improving their performance behaviors. Machining of micro-dimples on the hardened steel (AISI 52100) flat surfaces was done for creating the point contacts with the counter ball of same material. The friction and vibration behaviors of such lubricated textured point contacts under reciprocating rolling motion are reported. At combinations of high load and rolling speed, the surface textured contacts yielded significant reduction in rolling friction and vibration amplitude (at resonance frequencies) in comparison to smooth contacts.