Influence of dimple textures on the tribological performances of tapered roller bearings under starved lubrication

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of dimple textures on the friction and wear properties of tapered roller bearings (TRBs) with many pattern parameters, e.g. diameter, depth and area density under starved lubrication. Design/methodology/approach The pattern parameters include the dimple diameter ( D ; 60, 100 and 200 µm), dimple depth ( H ; 5, 10 and 20 µm) and area density ( S ; 6%, 12% and 24%). Dimples were fabricated on the outer ring (OR) of TRBs using a laser marking machine. The tribological properties of dimple-textured TRBs under starved lubrication were studied on a vertical universal friction wear tester with special friction pairs. The effect mechanisms of dimple textures on the tribological properties of TRBs are presented and summarized through experiments and discussions. Findings When dimple-textured TRBs revolve under starved lubrication, the average coefficients of friction (ACOF) and wear losses are markedly lower than those of non-textured bearings. S has the greatest influence on the COF curve. When D is 100 µm and S is 24%, the ACOF and wear losses are both lowest, i.e. 0.00426 and 0.51 mg, respectively. Under the same test conditions, compared with the non-textured group, its COF and wear loss decreased by 35.6% and 62.5%, respectively. Originality/value This work provides a useful reference for the research on the raceways of textured TRBs.