The Evaluation of the Micro-Tracks and Micro-Dimples on the Tribological Characteristics of Thrust Ball Bearings

Abstract

One of the primary remedies for tribological problems is surface modification. The reduction of the friction between the ball and the raceway of bearings is a very important goal of the development of bearing technology. A low friction has a positive effect in terms of the extension of the fatigue life, avoidance of a temperature rise, and prevention of premature failure of bearings. Therefore, this research sought to investigate the effects of micro-tracks and micro-dimples on the tribological characteristics at the contact point between the ball and the raceway of thrust ball bearings (TBBs). The ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM) technology was applied using different intervals (feed rates) to the TBB raceway surface to create micro-tracks and micro-dimples. The friction coefficient after UNSM at 50 microm intervals showed marked sensitivity and a significant reduction of 30%. In this study, the results showed that more micro-dimples yield a lower friction coefficient.

Study on the micro-dimpled surface in terms of drag performance

“…This process also improved the top surface roughness and hardness, the sub-surface hardness and compressive residual stress, and produced a uniform micro dimple texture on the top surface. The materials treated with UNSM showed beneficial effects in mechanical performance of various machine parts in terms of tensile strength, hardness, fatigue, and wear resistance (Amanove et al [18], Pyoun et al [19]). The experimental models for the present study were 2-D flat plates and 3-D cylindrical bodies.…”

Research of Aisi 321 Steel Microrelief After Ultrasonic Impact Treatment With Marker Applying

“…В настоящее время многие исследователи [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9], как и наш исследовательский коллектив, имеют затрудне-ния с получением полностью регулярного микрорельефа методом УУО (рис. 1).…”

“…Большое число исследователей в своих работах [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]9, 10] показали, что УУО улучшает физико-механические и триботехнические характеристики, а также усталостную прочность различных деталей и узлов трения, в том числе и благодаря наличию регулярного микрорельефа, состоящего из выступов и впадин (мик-роямочек). Синонимы для словосочетания «регулярный микрорельеф», употребляемые в научной литературе -«поверхности, текстурированные микроямочками» или «наногофрированные поверхности».…”

Ultrasonic Nanocrystal Surface Modification Technology

“…relative motion. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Previous studies confirmed that a radical improvement in the friction and wear of SAE52100 bearing steel that was subjected to UNSM treatment. [12][13][14][15] The main idea in the application of the UNSM technology to improve the RCF and rotary bending fatigue (RBF) strength of slim bearing rings is to treat not only the raceway but also the opposite side of the raceway-the outer and inner sides of both rings.…”