Articles tagged with Friction
A team of researchers found graphene oxide in the Atotsugawa Fault System, which reduces friction and may explain the rarity of large earthquakes. The unique properties of graphene oxide create lubricating conditions, allowing faults to move slowly and steadily.
A team of researchers used high-speed imaging to investigate soft solids sliding on rigid substrates, discovering that squeaking emerges from supersonic detachment pulses. The study found a relationship between surface geometry and the repetition rate of these pulses, impacting frictional resistance.
Researchers developed a lightweight, self-powered eye-tracking system that runs off the energy generated through blinking. The system detects eye movements with high precision and can be used to enable people with mobility impairments such as ALS to control wheelchairs or communicate by moving only their eyes.
Scientists at Yokohama National University have created a device that uses acoustic levitation and a squeeze film to move objects without friction, enabling fast and precise transport of small parts. The device was tested on an inclined surface and showed successful movement with weights up to 43 grams.
Researchers at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf found that static friction can cause the cooling of active particles. By studying a swarm of mini-robots, they discovered that collisions between the robots lead to the formation of clusters that are no longer moving, effectively cooling them down.
Researchers at Yokohama National University developed a new model explaining slow slips in stick-slip systems without relying on artificial friction laws. The Kelvin-Voigt viscoelastic toy model provides a novel scenario to explain the static friction paradox, which has remained unsolved for decades.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a method to measure frictional forces between single particles in suspensions. By understanding these microscopic interactions, they can optimize suspension flow characteristics and prevent dramatic thickening.
Research team develops novel method to exploit frictionless sliding for improved memory performance and energy efficiency. The new technology enables unprecedentedly efficient data read/write operations while consuming significantly less energy.
Researchers at TU Wien developed COK-47, a powdery solid substance with remarkable capabilities, by combining organic and inorganic chemistry. In humid environments, the material forms a tribofilm that ensures extremely low friction, making it highly interesting for industry applications.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a new solid lubricating mechanism that can reduce friction in machinery at extremely high temperatures. The novel coating has the potential to make components from rockets to semiconductors more safe, durable, and cost-effective.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed wearable technologies that both generate electricity from human movement and improve comfort. They used amphiphiles to create slippery surfaces on fabrics, reducing friction while allowing electrons to be donated, resulting in a material capable of generating up to 300 volts.
Researchers at PNNL have developed a solid phase alloying process that converts metal scrap into high-performance aluminum products in a single step. The process, called ShAPE, produces high-strength alloys with unique nanostructures and improved properties compared to conventional recycled aluminum.
Researchers observed the breaking of carbon nanotube fibers due to molecular slippage, which reduces their strength. Electron irradiation enhances CNT bundles' strength by forming stronger bonds between molecules.
Researchers from the University of Leeds and international partners have created an oil-free super-lubricant from potato proteins, achieving near zero friction. The material uses natural protein building blocks with a lower carbon footprint, opening doors for sustainable biomedical applications and low-calorie foods.
A revolutionary new paper from SUNY Poly demonstrates macroscale superlubricity using carbon-coated metallic surfaces, reducing friction by up to 99.97% and enabling significant cost savings and environmental benefits. The study's findings have far-reaching implications for various industries.
Researchers at Brown University discovered that the alignment of faults in rock formations plays a crucial role in determining where and when earthquakes occur. The study found that complex geometry beneath the surface contributes to stronger ground motions and more frequent earthquakes.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a method to grow ultra-long and narrow graphene nanoribbons with semiconducting properties, opening doors for technological applications in advanced switching devices and spintronic systems. The study's success demonstrates a breakthrough in carbon-based nanomaterials.
Researchers at the Universiteit van Amsterdam triggered mini-earthquakes in a lab by applying a small seismic wave to a granular material. The study shows that these events can be understood using laboratory-scale frictional experiments, and its findings are relevant for understanding remote earthquake triggering in larger faults.
Researchers from Aalto University have identified the previously unidentified physics at play when water droplets move on superhydrophobic surfaces. By adapting a novel force measurement technique, they eliminated the drag-like force and proposed a solution to improve the performance of hydrophobic surfaces.
A groundbreaking technology recognizes human emotions in real time, combining verbal and non-verbal expression data for accurate emotional information extraction. The system features a personalized skin-integrated facial interface that enables self-powered, flexible, and transparent emotion recognition.
Researchers found that increased polarization in Congress leads to longer periods of stasis and fewer bills passed, but the ones that do pass are larger and more impactful. This dynamics has become exaggerated, making it harder to change the status quo, resulting in bigger changes when they occur.
The study found that pressure forces at the cork's base control its motion, with friction forces playing a decisive role. The researchers also discovered the formation of Mach discs, which can be used to determine gas pressure or temperature inside a champagne bottle.
Researchers from the University of Leicester have discovered that 'synchronic' thermal fluctuations are responsible for friction in superlubricity. By lowering surface temperature, they can lower friction forces, opening doors to industrial applications with reduced energy consumption.
Researchers analyze fertilized ascidian oocytes to understand the mechanism driving cytoplasmic reorganization and cell shape changes. Friction forces between cellular components, such as actomyosin cortex and myoplasm, are found to be pivotal in determining organismal shape.
Researchers found that adding water to coffee beans before grinding reduces static electricity, resulting in less wasted coffee and cleaner grinders. Grinding with water also produces more consistent and intense espresso. The study's findings have significant economic implications for the $343.2 billion coffee industry.
Researchers demonstrate that microscopic chemical bonds between silicon surfaces control friction, enabling quantitative understanding and control. By regulating bond density through drying time, they predict and control friction force.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have successfully tuned graphene surface friction using external electric fields, allowing for dynamic control of friction. This breakthrough could lead to reduced energy consumption in nano- and micro-electromechanical systems and mitigate wear and corrosion of sliding surfaces.
Lehigh University researchers have discovered that applying magnetic forces to individual 'microroller' particles can spur collective motion, allowing the grains to flow uphill, up walls, and climb stairs. This counterintuitive phenomenon has potential applications in mixing, segregating materials, and microrobotics.
Researchers have published a first study on the mechanics of surgical knots, revealing a simple, robust emergent behavior vis-à-vis knot strength. The study analyzed 50-100 knots tied by a plastic surgeon and found relationships between knot strength and pretension, friction, and number of throws.
Researchers have developed a new composite fabric that combines conventional aramid with carbon nanotubes and polyacrylate to create puncture-resistant materials. The new material outperforms existing fabrics in simulated stabbing tests and could be useful in military and civilian applications.
Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered a new type of friction in proteins called anisotropic friction, which depends on direction. The discovery was made using single molecule experiments and simulations, revealing that friction increases with the pulling angle applied to a ligand from a protein.
Brazilian researchers used a high-speed camera to capture an image of lightning rods trying to connect to nearby buildings, revealing details of the connections. The image shows that even with multiple lightning rods in place, the strike connected to a smokestack on top of one building, highlighting the importance of proper installation.
A team of researchers at Tohoku University has developed an artificial intelligence-driven contact control system to minimize friction between moving parts in machinery, aiming to reduce wear and tear and extend lifespan.
A new study found that urban friction can strengthen the precipitation of landfalling tropical cyclones, leading to increased vulnerability for coastal cities. Urban surface friction and physical mechanisms make a significant contribution to enhancing rainfall produced by TCs.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered that epoxy-functionalized nanoparticles can significantly reduce friction on stainless steel surfaces. The nanoparticles adhere strongly to metal surfaces due to chemical adsorption, leading to a notable reduction in friction. This finding has potential implications for next-ge...
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a two-layer coating made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) brushes that significantly reduces microfibre shedding from synthetic fabrics. The coating, which can reduce pollution by more than 90%, is environmentally friendly and has been shown to work on various surfaces including gla...
A team of scientists at the University of Leeds has decoded the physical process behind chocolate's sensation in the mouth. They found that fat plays a key role in creating the smooth emulsion, and by understanding this mechanism, they hope to develop healthier luxury chocolates with the same feel and texture.
Scientists discover that altering environmental conditions, particularly humidity, can enable the control of super-lubricity in materials. By exposing graphene to water vapor and phenol vapor, researchers found a 25-45 times increase in low friction, paving the way for practical applications in MEMS devices.
A new understanding of how particle shape controls grain flow can help engineers plan for downstream impacts of restoring a river or removing a dam. The MIT team's better formula estimates bed load transport by considering a grain's drag and friction, rather than its exact shape.
Rosin powder increases friction by over 20%, reducing variation in friction between participants and pitches. A wax-like sticky substance doubles this effect, potentially increasing ball spin rates. The study suggests MLB balls could be made less slippery for improved ball control.
Graphene structures exhibit unexpected speed-dependent friction when moved across a platinum surface, affecting the mechanical properties of the material. The frictional forces increase with the speed of the AFM tip due to elastic deformation at the ridges of Moiré superstructures.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science developed a new electrostatically controlled clutch that enables soft robotic hands to hold 4 pounds, 40 times more than before. The clutch uses a fracture-mechanics-based model to achieve this feat while requiring only 125 volts of electricity.
A systematic review of cutting friction behaviors in the metal cutting process reveals its significant impact on tool wear and surface quality. The study contributes to the development of high-quality cutting technology by understanding cutting friction mechanisms, simulation technologies, and anti-friction strategies.
Elisa Riedo's team has discovered a fundamental friction law, leading to the design of two-dimensional materials capable of minimizing energy loss. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient manufacturing processes, greener vehicles, and a sustainable world.
Mathematicians at Aston University are developing computational modelling techniques to examine biological drag reduction methods, such as fish slime secreted by predator-avoiding fish. This project aims to reduce skin-friction drag and increase the performance range of electric vehicles, contributing to a reduction in CO2 emissions.
Polymers in cable insulation gradually lose their insulating properties due to radiation defects, leading to reduced electrical resistance. A hand-held hardness tester can detect proper insulation by measuring the hardness of the cable insulation.
Researchers at Universiteit van Amsterdam use fluorescence microscopy and specialized molecules to study the transition from static to dynamic friction. They find that a slip wave propagates from the edge towards the center of the contact area just before sliding occurs.
Scientists developed a software platform to analyze surfaces, creating digital twins that predict material properties like adhesion and durability. The contact.engineering platform standardizes procedure and facilitates open science, allowing users to share measurements and collaborate.
At extremely high speeds, friction decreases wear due to uneven heat distribution on the surface. The outermost layer of metal is damaged while deeper regions remain intact. This effect has implications for high-speed applications such as E-mobility and aircraft.
Researchers found that ants and robots can be modeled using the same algorithms, despite differences in slipping motions. The discovery provides a universal model for location that applies to various movements, including walking and slithering.
A USC study of eligible voters in the 2020 election highlights how many Americans overlook external factors like child care constraints and transportation difficulties that affect voter turnout. In contrast, participants cited beliefs as a major driver of turnout, with only 12% mentioning friction.
Scientists develop a new model to predict when a droplet will splash upon hitting a solid surface, considering factors like wettability and roughness. The study could enable advances in agriculture, epidemiology, and printing technology.
Researchers at the University of Illinois used single calcite crystals with varying surface roughness to simplify the physics of fault movement. The study found that friction can increase or decrease with sliding velocity depending on mineral types and environment, providing a fundamental understanding of rate-and-state equations.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh unveiled the first visualization of friction at the atomic level, showing that it occurs regardless of surface smoothness. This discovery could lead to better lubricants and materials to minimize friction and wear in machinery.
A research team investigated the microscopic scale of furniture movement, finding moiré patterns reduce static friction when objects rotate simultaneously. This discovery could lead to ultra-low friction micro-machines.
Researchers simulated earthquakes in a lab and found that fine-grained gravel formed at fault boundaries can trigger powerful ruptures, contrary to previous beliefs about stable faults. The study used high-pressure and shear simulations to show that rock gouge weakens friction between plates, leading to intermittent slip.
Researchers conducted wave-optics simulations to study the impact of turbulence on light beams, finding that branch point density grows non-linearly with grid resolution. The study's results could lead to more accurate modeling and improved performance in Adaptive Optics systems.
Researchers at University of Delaware have found that humans can detect subtle changes in chemical composition of surfaces, which could improve tactile technologies and virtual reality experiences. This discovery has potential applications in developing higher-quality tactile aids for people with visual impairments.
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology developed an ultra-high-rate coating technology for functional hard carbon films using vacuum plasma. The new method achieved a film deposition rate exceeding one order of magnitude faster than existing technologies while maintaining the same degree of film quality.
A study by researchers at Pusan National University has investigated the relationship between surface structures and nanoscale friction in multi-layered CVD graphene. They found that only the top-most layer of graphene was twisted with respect to the rest, affecting layer-dependent nanoscale friction.