Friction control through surface texturing (FriText)

Research Project, 2019 – 2021

Purpose and goal
The main objective of the project is to determine the surface texturing method to control the coefficient of friction and surface protection against wear, in order to improve the tribological properties of machinery components in e.g. engines or power generation equipment. The project include two main goals, which are strictly connected to each other: the first goal is development modification of existing abrasive processes in order to texturing of the surface, whereas the second goal is to develop a method for evaluation surfaces after texturing.

Expected results and effects
This project can significantly extend the lifetime of the mechanical components, reduce the energy and energy and fuel consumption, increase the controllability on the friction coefficient and hence reduce the friction losses and have better wear protection, and also have positive impact on CO2 emissions reduction. One of the driving motivation in FFI Sustainable Production sub-program is to reduce the automotive industry´s CO2 emissions from a life cycle perspective, and this project is a next step to achieve this goal.

Planned approach and implementation
The work in the project is divided i 7 workpackages (WPs): WP1 Project management and coordination WP2 Simulation of friction dependent texture pattern WP3 Modelling and simulation of surface texturing methods WP4 Experimental testing of different surface texturing methods WP5 Development of textured surface evaluation method WP6 Alternative surface texturing methods WP7 Demonstrators and dissemination The structure is so thought in order to facilitate synergies among the partners and an efficient implementation of the concepts together w ith the necessary guidelines.