Smart Surface Texturing for Improved Tribological Performance in Automotive Engines

Abstract

Surface texturing has emerged as a promising technique for enhancing tribological performance in automotive engine components, where friction reduction and wear minimization are critical for fuel efficiency and component longevity. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of smart surface texturing strategies applied to automotive engine tribological interfaces, including piston rings, cylinder liners, and journal bearings. We analyze the hydrodynamic and mixed lubrication regimes governing these interfaces and evaluate various texturing patterns including dimples, grooves, and hybrid configurations. Through systematic review of experimental and computational studies, we demonstrate that optimized surface textures can reduce friction coefficients by 15-40% and extend component life by 25-60% compared to conventional smooth surfaces. The paper establishes design criteria for texture geometry, considering parameters such as dimple depth (5-20 μm), diameter (50-200 μm), and area density (5-30%). We present a framework for adaptive texturing that responds to varying operating conditions including load, speed, and temperature. The findings indicate that laser surface texturing (LST) combined with advanced coatings provides the most promising pathway for next-generation engine tribology. Implementation challenges including manufacturing scalability, cost considerations, and integration with existing engine architectures are critically evaluated. This work contributes to the theoretical understanding of texture-enhanced lubrication mechanisms and provides practical guidelines for automotive engineers implementing surface texturing technologies.