Simulation and Experimental Investigation on Friction Reduction by Partial Laser Surface Texturing on Piston Ring

Numerical models for barrel-shaped rings with four textures were established using MATLAB and the corresponding specimens were fabricated by laser surface texturing. The performance was compared both theoretically and experimentally in order to investigate the effects of geometrical characteristics. The results of the theoretical analysis indicated that a microdimple texture on both sides of the ring surface was a suitable option to improve the lubricating property due to the "collective'' effect, thus reducing friction of the piston ring. This result was confirmed experimentally. The microdimple texture at the crowning of the ring face weakened the hydrodynamic pressure effect and increased friction, as demonstrated by both theoretical and experimental results.