Aktive Steuerung von Reibung - Active Control of Friction

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The ability to control and manipulate frictional forces is extremely important for a variety of applications. Controlling frictional forces has been traditionally approached by chemical means, usually by supplementing base lubricants with friction modifying additives. Standard lubrication techniques, however, are expected to be less effective in the micro- and nano-world. Novel methods for control and manipulation are therefore needed. We propose a joint experimental, theoretical and computational project aimed at designing methods and algorithms to control friction by both mechanical means (via externally imposed vibrations of small amplitude and energy) and surface modification. To accomplish these goals, it is essential to understand the internal dynamics, i.e. the internal rates of structural rearrangement of confined systems under shear. In the proposed project we will utilize new advances in experimental and theoretical techniques to both acquire a detailed understanding of fundamental frictional processes and manipulate them. The interrelation between friction at the nano, micro and macroscopic scales will be explored.