Tribology Characteristics of Hexagonal Shape Surface Textured Reduction Gear in Electric Agricultural Vehicle

An experimental study was conducted on the wear and friction responses in sliding tests of a micro-textured surface on laser pattern (LP) steel as reduction gear material in electric guided vehicle. In this research, the friction characteristics of laser pattern steel under different micro texture density conditions were investigated. The friction tests were carried out at sliding speeds of 0.06 m/s to 0.34 m/s and at normal loads of 2 to 10 N. Photolithography method was used to create the dimples for surface texturing purpose. Four different specimens having different dimple densities of 10%, 12.5%, 15%, and 20% were observed respectively. In this research, friction conditions as shown in Stribeck curve were investigated. Furthermore, the microscopic surface was observed using scanning electron microscope. It was found that the dimple density had a significant role on the friction characteristics of laser pattern steel conditioned as reduction gear material in an agricultural vehicle. The duty number showed that the friction condition was hydrodynamic regime. The best performance was obtained from 12.5% dimple density with lowest friction coefficient achieved at 0.018771 under the velocity of 0.34 m/s and 10N load.