Distribution effect of surface texture on the elastic deformation in soft contacts

This paper aims to experimentally investigate the elastic deformation behavior of surface texture in soft contacts under lubricated condition.,Dimples with two typical distribution patterns are fabricated on the contacting surface by Quasi-LIGA technique. In situ observation on the elastic deformation of contacting surface is performed through optical interferometry. Comparisons of the elastic deformation around the dimples in different distribution patterns are conducted.,The results show that the effect of dimple distribution patterns on elastic deformation becomes increasingly serious with the growth of applied load. Dimples in square distribution present a stronger interaction with each other and lead to a more alleviative deformation under heavier load condition. The action range of dimple, especially in square distribution, is seriously compressed by surrounding dimples.,Square distribution is preferentially suggested for surface texture with respect to minimum elastic deformation in soft contacts under elastohydrodynamic lubrication condition.