A calculated model for the porosity effect of a self-lubricating composite on its lubrication property

The fluid lubricating film of a soft solid lubricant on a porous composite surface after a sliding process is analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the self-lubrication mechanism of the porous composite can also result in a conventional hydrodynamic lubrication. ulated model for porous self-lubricating composites with realistically rough surfaces is developed. The results show that the lubrication property is affected by the porosity. This effect does not change with the surface morphology even though the morphology promotes a hydrodynamic lubrication effect. The result indicates that the optimum porosity of the composite improves the lubricating properties. Therefore, the optimization of the composite microstructure can improve the lifespan of the mechanical component.