Sliding element, sliding structure including the sliding element, and method for producing microscopic surface structure in the sliding element

摘要

A sliding structure including first and second sliding elements made of metal and including first and second sliding surfaces relatively slidable via a lubricating oil film therebetween, in which at least one of the first and second sliding surfaces having a microscopic surface structure including a base portion, dimples inward recessed from the base portion and separated from one another, and a peripheral portion defining the opening area of each of the dimples and extending along a periphery of each of the dimples. A ratio of a sum of opening areas of the dimples to an area of the at least one of the first and second surfaces is in a range of 5% to 60%. The peripheral portion has a height smaller than a thickness of the lubricating oil film.