Research on the Influence of Microscale Aspheric Surface on the Contact and Wear Performances of Self-lubricating Spherical Plain Bearing

Abstract This research focuses on self-lubricating spherical plain bearings. An analysis of contact mechanics through conformal methods indicates that contact pressure diminishes from the center and exhibits an uneven distribution. Drawing inspiration from human joints, the concept of microscale asphericity in friction pairs is introduced, leading to the development of “open” and “closed” bearing designs. Finite element analysis of wear demonstrates that traditional spherical bearings experience significant initial wear at the center. In contrast, the “closed” bearing, characterized by an ellipticity of 0.07, substantially reduces central wear. Additionally, wear testing and micromaterial investigations examine mechanisms of wear resistance, providing valuable insights for the advancement of self-lubricating spherical plain bearings.