For the first time, ETH Zurich Materials Scientists have measured the rolling friction of microscopic, micrometer-sized particles. These measures allow them to better understand common items like ...

Friction is a key phenomenon in applied physics, whose origin has been studied for centuries. Until now, it has been understood that mechanical wear-resistance and fluid lubrication affect friction, ...

I learned to respect friction, as a phenomenon with many nuances, when I was a graduate student. One day, while teaching a problem session in elementary mechanics, I unwisely invented a new problem to ...

Delving into history books, we can learn that already thousands of years ago the Egyptians realized that lubricants like water and oil helped reduce the friction of sledges that moved the heavy stones ...

Initial attempts at producing synthetic gecko tape – trying to copy the gecko's adhesive paws – were performed by nanoindenting followed by the molding of silicone (PDMS) in nanoindented cavities.

The less work required to translate an object, the better. Avoiding sliding friction — a major sinkhole of applied force for motion — is accomplished through rolling. A: Ironically, with increased ...

Compressive forces (labeled F and F/2) keep the three inner rings in contact with the driveshaft. The ability to produce smooth, precise, and accurate linear motion is key to many manufacturing and ...

You've got the golden armadillo? Quick, go before the dragon catches you! It could be here any minute – why aren’t you moving faster? Friction? You mean the force between the surface of the road and ...