Machinery and structures have multiple surfaces that rub together (friction surfaces) when they carry weight loads. Preventing surface damage, including this kind of frictional surface abrasion, and the facilitating of smooth operation are essential features required to improve the life span of machinery, to bring about greater precision, and to achieve higher levels of reliability. Students in this laboratory conduct related fundamental research from these above perspectives, and at the same time participate in practical-level joint research with several commercial manufacturers.
Evaluation of mechanical characteristics in materials using indentation
Related staffs: Masayuki SHIMA and Tatsuhiro JIBIKI
Outline:
As a research topic in the doctoral courses students construct a system for measuring Young's modulus and yield strength in materials by indenting hard spheres and other objects into the material surface. By combining this system with a 3D contact mechanics developed in the laboratory, it is possible to use the system for measuring Young's modulus in thin films.
Figure 1. Research on the evaluation of mechanical characteristics in materials using indenting force
(2)
Material adhesion phenomena and applications using acute indenting
Related staffs: Masayuki SHIMA and Tatsuhiro JIBIKI
Outline:
The phenomenon of material adhesion forms the basis for friction and abrasion. Elucidation of the mechanism of this phenomenon and its application is naturally a topic of research for students in the latter half of the master's course.
Figure 2. Measuring the adhesive force generated between acute indenters and metallic materials
(3)
Creating and evaluating surface coatings that utilize friction
Related staffs: Masayuki SHIMA, Takashi SUGAWARA, and Tatsuhiro JIBIKI
Outline:
Students investigate friction methods for the creation of films that have excellent tribological properties and inexpensive base materials through joint research with commercial manufacturers. This research also constitutes a topic for master's theses.
(4)
Study on the sliding properties of joint bushes
Related staffs: Masayuki SHIMA and Tatsuhiro JIBIKI
Outline:
Most machines, including robots, contain joints that are responsible for reciprocating movement. The frictional behaviour in these joints is closely connected with the development of play in the joints caused by abrasion, as well as the production of abnormal sounds. Fundamental research relating to this area is conducted in cooperation with commercial manufacturers and at the same time constitutes a topic for master's theses.
Figure 3. Study on friction characteristics and generation of abnormal sounds in the joint bushes of machinery
(5)
Study relating to the surface strength of materials using Acoustic Emissions (AEs)
Related staffs: Masayuki SHIMA and Tatsuhiro JIBIKI
Outline:
When cracks or plastic deformations occur in solids the stored energy is released, propagating elastic waves. Fundamental research for real-time investigation of solid surface strength when a contact load and frictional force have been applied through the use of this phenomenon is a topic of master's thesis research.
