Philly Materials Day: The Science of Friction

On Saturday, Feb. 11, Philly Materials Science and Engineering Day was celebrated at Drexel University , providing attendees of all ages with hands-on demonstrations about the science of materials and engineering. Participating organizations included Penn Engineering and The Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter (LRSM) . Robert Carpick , John Henry Towne Professor in Mechanical Engineering, and his research group were among the tables with a focus on Tribology: The Science of Friction.

The group aimed to teach attendees about friction, its impact on our daily lives, how it's measured, and how different materials can lead to varying amounts of friction. Using various models and demo items, attendees were able to feel friction in action and learn how to control it.

For example, the Carpick Research Group demonstrated how using rolling elements in a bearing makes motion effortless, and how a cushion of pressurized air can overcome friction, making it easier to move heavy rotors at high speeds. They also showcased the principles of lubrication by bringing oil samples and making students feel friction in a model engine.

“We demonstrated friction and its application by using an internal combustion engine model, ball bearings, a tilting pad bearing used in turbines, and bicycle brakes and bearings. These demo items consist of moving components, and therefore, managing friction is critical to their functioning. The students were able to feel friction in action by handling these mechanical components," commented postdoc Pranjal Nautiyal .

"We encouraged attendees to qualitatively measure friction themselves by touching multiple surfaces with varied roughness," added postdoc Danny S. , "and to deduce that smooth surfaces are easier to slide on because there's a relationship between surface roughness and friction."

This was the first time Materials Science and Engineering Day was held in person since 2020. The event is an excellent platform to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists to explore the fascinating world of material sciences.

Carpick Research Group's table was one of three from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics at Penn Engineering . The other two tables showcased demonstrations on the research of Turner Research Group's on 'Sticky Materials' and the Architected Materials Laboratory's on 'The Utility of Instability'. Together, the three tables provided a comprehensive look at the diverse research being conducted within the department.