 Cole Hess | B.S. Mechanical Engineering - May 2015 Research Background: The goal of my research has focused on investigating the tribological properties of bio-based materials compared to synthetic lubricants. Tribology is the study of the interactions between contacting materials, focusing on the fields of friction, lubrication, and wear. Therefore, through this research, biological systems were studied in order to gain new insight on issues involving friction and lubrication. The bio-materials used in this research were pitcher plants, which are known for their lubrication properties and low coefficients of friction. Another goal of this research was to determine how the microscopic plant geometry affected lubrication properties. Thus, by linking the friction and lubrication properties of pitcher plants with their physical microstructure, new lubricants could be synthesized by mimicking the microscopic geometric structure of the plant. The next direction of my research will focus on the tribological interactions between skin and everyday composite materials, in order to prevent injury and find a relationship between material properties and tactile perception. Tactile perception refers to how people determine if something feels soft or rough to the touch. By analyzing the friction, lubrication, and wear that results from these interactions, materials can be manufactured to prevent injury and improve comfort. |
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