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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
09:21
Experiments on Ultrasonic Lubrication Using a Piezoelectrically-assisted Tribometer and Optical Profilometer
Published on: September 28, 2015
Tuning friction with noise and disorder
Y Braiman1, H G Hentschel, F Family
1Center for Engineering Science Advanced Research, Computer Science and Mathematics Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831.
Summary
Friction can be reduced by introducing spatial disorder or thermal noise. These findings offer new insights into controlling frictional forces in various systems.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Tribology
Background:
- Friction is a ubiquitous phenomenon influencing numerous mechanical systems.
- Understanding and controlling friction is crucial for technological advancement.
- Current models often assume ideal, ordered surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of spatial disorder and thermal noise on friction.
- To explore novel mechanisms for friction reduction.
- To provide evidence for counterintuitive friction behavior.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulations were employed to model frictional interactions.
- Experimental validation was conducted under controlled conditions.
- Analysis focused on the interplay between surface topography and thermal fluctuations.
Main Results:
- Evidence demonstrates friction reduction under specific conditions of spatial disorder.
- Thermal noise was shown to decrease frictional forces.
- The study identified key parameters influencing this friction modulation.
Conclusions:
- Spatial disorder and thermal noise can serve as effective strategies for friction reduction.
- These findings challenge conventional understanding of friction.
- Potential applications exist in designing low-friction surfaces and systems.
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