Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the flow field characteristics of the micro-scale textured bearing surfaces using the lattice Boltzmann method based on the microscopic dynamics of the fluid. Design/methodology/approach Considering the inertia effects and the micro-scale effects, the models of a single micro-scale texture unit cell with different shapes and different film thickness ratios are established. The influence of pressure difference between inlet and outlet of the unit cell on flow characteristics is studied. Findings The surface pressure distribution, flow patterns and pressure contours in the flow field are obtained. The results reveal that the pressure difference has a significant influence on the characteristics of the micro-textured flow field. Originality/value The results have certain guiding significance for further step investigation on microscopic lubrication mechanism of the water-lubricated polymer bearings.
