Effect of fish scale texture on friction performance for reciprocating pair with high velocity

Purpose This paper aims to study the frictional performance of reciprocating pair with high velocity by using hydrodynamic lubrication principle and fish scale textured piston model. Design/methodology/approach Based on the idea of function characteristic approximation and coordinate change, a mathematical representation model of imitating fish scale texture pit section is established. According to the principle of dynamic pressure lubrication of the textured fluid, a three-dimensional numerical model of flow field for fish scale texture is established without considering cavitation. Numerical analysis of the model carp scale texture unit by orthogonal experimental design and FLUENT software is carried out. Findings Effects of fish scale pit texture on friction properties for a reciprocating pair piston surface with high velocity (impact piston) are acquired. Effects of texture characterization parameters and flow rate on the surface friction performance for impact piston are found. Effects of different characteristic parameters combination of imitating fish scale texture on friction performance for impact piston surface are obtained. Originality/value The model is an effective tool to study the friction and wear of reciprocating pair with high velocity. The effects of fish scale textured piston pair supply a theory lead to design the reciprocating pair with better friction performance. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-09-2019-0398