Journal Article

FZJ-2020-00811

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Physics of suction cups

Tiwari, A.FZJ* ; Persson, B. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2019
Royal Soc. of Chemistry London

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1039/C9SM01679A

Abstract: We have developed a theory of air leakage at interfaces between two elastic solids with application to suction cups in contact with randomly rough surfaces. We present an equation for the airflow in narrow constrictions which interpolates between the diffusive and ballistic (Knudsen) air-flow limits. To test the theory, we performed experiments using two different suction cups, made from soft polyvinylchloride (PVC), in contact with sandblasted polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) plates. We found that the measured time to detach (lifetime) of the suction cups was in good agreement with theory, except for surfaces with a root-mean-square (rms) roughness below ≈1 μm, where diffusion of plasticizer from the PVC to the PMMA surface caused blockage of critical constrictions. The suction cup volume, stiffness, and elastic modulus have a huge influence on the air leakage and hence the failure time of the cups. Based on our research we propose an improved biomimetic design of suction cups that could show improved failure times with varying degrees of roughness under dry and wet environments.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Quanten-Theorie der Materialien (IAS-1)
2. Quanten-Theorie der Materialien (PGI-1)

Research Program(s):

1. 141 - Controlling Electron Charge-Based Phenomena (POF3-141) (POF3-141)

Appears in the scientific report 2019

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Database coverage:
; Allianz-Lizenz / DFG ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; National-Konsortium ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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