Qualitative potentials of surface textures and coatings in the performance of fluid-film bearings: a critical review

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this article is to present the physical insights behind the successful implementation of surface textures and coatings in fluid film bearing systems for improving the tribological performance. The article is a systematic review of previously published articles implementing textures and coatings to know tribology behind it. The fluid rheology is also equally important for improving the performance of the bearing systems. The main focus is to know the reasons that have been quoted in numerous research studies for fruitfulness of texturing and coatings. It has come into the notice that a number of experimental studies incorporating textures were reported by the researchers; however, a huge amount of numerical/theoretical studies have been presented. The evolution in lubricants research appreciably used for improving the tribological performance by the reduction of friction and wear. The combination of textures and lubricants has proven the unambiguous enhancement in the rate of performance. The collection of information regarding physical causes behind the benefits of surface texture and coatings is the real worth of this article. The work on coatings of bearings have also becoming the interest of researchers and have profound effects in enhancing the tribological performance of slider bearings.