Slippage and Adhesion
Slippage and adhesion are two distinct and important features of engineering materials. Slippage occurs when two objects in contact with each other do not stay securely in contact – they slip past each other. Adhesion, on the other hand, is the process by which two surfaces bond together. Although these two processes are seemingly very different, they share some underlying principles, and understanding the different ways in which they can occur is important in engineering design.
Slippage may be caused by one of two main factors: a lubrication effect, or else the application of a force. In the former case, a lubricating material – such as oil, grease or even air – is introduced between two sliding surfaces, reducing friction and allowing them to slide. In the latter case, a force is applied to one of the objects, which in turn causes the other to slide along its surface.
Adhesion, on the other hand, is a result of a bond that forms between two solid surfaces. It may be the result of the formation of a layer of material on the surface of one object, or it may be due to the sharing of atoms between the two objects. Adhesion is usually a desirable property in engineering materials because it can be used to join components together with great strength and in some cases, even hermetic seals.
Understanding the principles behind both slippage and adhesion is essential for engineering design. Slippage is something that must be limited and controlled in order to improve the life of components, while adhesion is something that should be maximized in order to increase strength, durability and reliability. Different materials have different capabilities regarding each of these processes and it is important to understand these differences in order to properly design a component or structure.
Slippage and adhesion are also important factors to consider in the design of medical implants, where it is essential that components adhere to tissue or bone whereas foreign objects must be prevented from slipping. Testing the slippage and adhesion properties of medical implant materials is thus a critical step so as to ensure that they are safe and effective.
The study of slippage and adhesion is an ongoing area of research as new materials, designs and applications continue to be developed. Proper investigation of these properties is also necessary for insuring the safety and reliability of products. With a better understanding of the principles underlying slippage and adhesion, engineers will be able to make more informed design decisions and create more effective and reliable components.
