Friction in nature
by T. Liskiewicz, A. Morina, A. Neville
International Journal of Design Engineering (IJDE), Vol. 4, No. 1, 2011

Abstract: Natural systems show efficient ways to minimise or maximise friction depending on the required function. Such a function is always achieved by a number of properties and mechanisms as no single solution exists in nature to tackle one problem. Nature shows solutions to provide ultra low friction in the case of lubricated systems, ultra high friction in the case of adhesives or in some cases even controlled adaptable friction performance. Frictional surfaces can be found on different scales in nature from a nanometre scale to a macro scale. From a wide variety of natural systems, synovial joints have probably attracted more research attention than other systems and this is fully justified as they are examples where an ideal synergy between the lubrication process and materials technology exists. Other examples include shark skin riblets providing drag reduction, hierarchical structures providing maximum adhesion or mucus and slime for an improved slip. In this contribution, a summary of natural frictional systems is presented. Several examples of the successful use of biomimicry for the manipulation of the interface to provide the desired functions are presented. Finally, directions of further exploitation of a biomimetic approach in tribology are discussed.

Online publication date: Tue, 30-Sep-2014

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Design Engineering (IJDE):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com