Tribology
Articles tagged with Tribology
Rock bonding changes understanding of earthquakes mechanics
Why we slip on ice: Physicists challenge centuries-old assumptions
Researchers at Saarland University discovered that molecular dipoles in ice and shoe soles interact to create a disordered, amorphous structure on the ice surface. This interaction causes the ice to become slippery, leading to slips and falls, rather than pressure or friction.
Shape memory polymer dry adhesive technology paves the way for micro-LED innovation
Researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology developed a novel dry adhesive technology using shape memory polymers, allowing for precise micro-LED chip transfer with minimal residue. The technology offers significant advantages over conventional methods, including high adhesion strength and easy release.
Novel yet simple model provides smooth answer to friction mystery
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 solve a fluid mechanics mystery
A team of researchers has solved a puzzle in fluid mechanics using an experiment featuring an ink-on-milk maze. The study reveals how the presence of surfactants in milk helps the ink/soap mixture navigate the maze by exploiting variations in surface tension.
Direct observation of the breaking of carbon nanotube fibers caused by molecular slippage
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.
Solving stickiness sustainably
A team of chemists at Purdue University has created a sustainable adhesive system that uses epoxidized soy oil, malic acid, and tannic acid. The new adhesive is inexpensive, effective, scalable, practical to produce and completely sustainable.
New software platform advances understanding of the surface finish of manufactured components
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.
Faster friction - less wear
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.
Ultra-high-rate plasma coating to improve surface function
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.
Creating good friction: Pitt engineers aim to make floors less slippery
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh aim to reduce workplace accidents by creating a predictive model of friction based on floor-surface topography. They will use advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy to measure small-scale features that affect shoe-floor friction.