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Surface tension regularizes the crack singularity of adhesion
Stefan Karpitschka1, Leen van Wijngaarden1, Jacco H Snoeijer2
1Physics of Fluids Group, Faculty of Science and Technology, Mesa+ Institute, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands. j.h.snoeijer@utwente.nl.
Soft Matter
|April 19, 2016
Summary
Surface tension is crucial for stiff solids, not just soft ones. This study reveals a universal self-similar structure at the edge of adhesive contacts, unifying adhesion laws and contact mechanics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Solid Mechanics
- Surface Physics
Background:
- Adhesive contact mechanics are typically described by the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) law for stiff solids.
- Surface tension's role in adhesion is well-established for soft materials.
- A gap exists in understanding surface tension effects on the adhesion of stiff solids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of surface tension in the adhesive contact mechanics of stiff solids.
- To identify universal behaviors at the edge of adhesive contacts.
- To reconcile macroscopic adhesion laws with microscopic contact mechanics.
Main Methods:
- Indentation tests using a rigid sphere on solid surfaces.
- Analytical solutions derived from a similarity theory.
- Incorporation of Young's wetting angle as a boundary condition.
Main Results:
- Surface tension significantly influences stiff solids, contrary to classical assumptions.
- A universal, self-similar structure is observed at the edge of adhesive contacts.
- Young's wetting angle regularizes singularities, providing a complete contact description.
Conclusions:
- Surface tension is a critical factor in the adhesion of both soft and stiff solids.
- The developed similarity theory offers a unified framework for adhesive contact mechanics.
- This work bridges the gap between global adhesion theories and local contact behaviors.
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