A Laser Surface Textured Parallel Thrust Bearing

The potential use of a new technology of laser surface texturing (LST) in parallel thrust bearings is theoretically investigated. The surface texture has the form of micro-dimples with pre-selected diameter, depth, and area density. It can be applied to only a portion of the bearing area (partial LST) or the full bearing area (full LST). Optimum parameters of the dimples, and best LST mode, are found in order to obtain maximum load carrying capacity for a thrust bearing having parallel mating surfaces. A comparison is made with optimum linear and stepped sliders showing that parallel LST sliders can provide similar load carrying capacity.