Study of LST Surface Modification effect on friction and wear at lubricating condition

Hemispherical dimples with diameter, ø=$60{\mu}m$ and depth, d= $30{\mu}m$ were created on the metal and ceramics surfaces using INYA 10 watt Laser of 1064 nm wavelength. This study reports the influence of dimple pitch on friction and wear behavior rather than dimple size, depth and density. LST was performed on the specimens with dimple pitch and density in the range of 80 to-$200{\mu}m$ and 44 to 7 %, respectively. Surface topography was analyzed by using roughness measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and optical microscopy. Friction and wear characteristics were analyzed on textured surfaces at lubricating environment to observe the effect of surface texturing on reduction of friction and wear. Reduction on coefficient of friction was achieved by more than 70% due to the dual behavior of dimples as wear (debris) traps and lubricant reservoirs. Wear reduced significantly for the textured surface as compared to the polished surface. Moreover, the friction coefficient of the textured specimens reduced with increasing load and speed which may be attributed to the transition of lubrication regime.