Reducing the Friction Coefficient of Heavy-Load Spherical Bearings in Bridges Using Surface Texturing—A Numerical Study

Spherical bearings play a crucial role in maintaining the safety of bridge systems. The frequent operation and wear rate over their lifespan highlight the necessity for methods to improve their tribological performance. In this study, GQZ-60000 unidirectionally movable spherical bearings were the research object, and three different surface textures—spherical cap, ellipsoidal cap, and double spherical cap—were incorporated into a curved PTFE surface to enhance its tribological performance, with the major focus being on reducing the friction coefficient. The Jakobsson–Floberg–Olsson cavitation boundary condition was used to solve the Reynolds equation numerically to obtain the elastohydrodynamic lubrication pressure, and the parametric effect of the three textures on the friction coefficient were analyzed. Based on the simulation results, a rational texture with rational geometric values are recommended to obtain the minimum friction coefficient of the bearing. However, it was also found that the deformation of the lubricated surface significantly affects the lubricant film thickness, and cavitation of the lubricant film may also affect the selection of rational textures, especially when the relative sliding velocity between lubricated surfaces is high.