Effect of elastic deformation on squeezing film lubrication properties of soft tribocontacts with microstructured surface

Purpose Inspired by the high-friction performance of the soft toe pads of tree frogs, this study aims to investigate the effect of elastic deformation on the lubrication properties of squeezing films inside soft tribocontacts with microstructured surface under wet conditions. Design/methodology/approach A one-dimensional hydrodynamic extrusion model was used to study the film lubrication characteristics of conformal contact. The lubrication characteristics of the extruded film, including load-carrying capacity, liquid flow and surface elastic deformation, were obtained through the simultaneously iterative solution of the fluid-governing and deformation equations. Findings The results show that the hydrodynamic pressure is approximating parabolically and symmetrically distributed in the contact area, and the peak value appears in the center of the extrusion surface. Elastic deformation increases the thickness of the liquid film, weakens the bearing capacity and homogenizes the liquid flow rate of inside soft friction contact. The magnitude of this effect greatly increases as the initial liquid film thickness decreases. Moreover, the elastic deformation directly affects the average film thickness of the extrusion contact. Narrow and shallow microchannels are found to result in a more prominent elastic deformation on the microstructured soft surface. Originality/value These results present a design for soft tribocontacts suitable for submerged or wet environments involving high friction, such as wiper blades, in situ flexible electrons and underwater robots. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2024-0049/