LAUSR

Surface texturing is an effective technology in improving the tribological performance of artificial joints. However, the mechanism behind it is still a controversial topic, especially when talking about the functionality of hydrodynamic pressure. In this paper, Finite Difference Method was used to solve the steady-state Reynolds equation. It was found that, under the given conditions, hydrodynamic pressure only played a minor role in the tribological performance of textured bioimplants. A further theoretical study indicated that this phenomenon was attributed to the working environments of artificial joints: low viscosity lubricant and low sliding speed. A comparison study between tribo-systems with various working conditions also showed that hydrodynamic pressure played a more important role in the systems either under fast speed or lubricated by high-viscosity solution. Finally, a pin-on-disk frictional study was carried out with different sliding velocities and it was confirmed that hydrodynamic pressure has little effect on the tribological performance of textured bioimplants.