Xingliang He

Two-dimensional nanostructured Y2O3 particles for viscosity modification

Nanoparticle additives have been shown to improve the mechanical and transport phenomena of various liquids; however, little has been done to try and explain the rheological modifications provided from such modifications from a theoretical standpoint. Here, we report a non-Einstein-like reduction of viscosity of mineral oil with the utilization of yttrium oxide nanosheet additives. Experimental results, coupled with generalized smoothed-particle hydrodynamics simulations, provide insight into the mechanism behind this reduction of fluid shear stress. The ordered inclination of these two-dimensional nanoparticle additives markedly improves the lubricating properties of the mineral oil, ultimately reducing the friction, and providing a way in designing and understanding next generation of lubricants.

Tribological evaluation of porcine skin

This research studies the effects of external parameters on the friction of porcine skin. A tribometer was used to evaluate the frictional behavior of the same. The effects of DI water and body oil on porcine skin against steel and glass balls were evaluated in terms of coefficient of friction (COF). The COF dropped rapidly when DI water/body oil was introduced into the sliding system and remained stable when the volume of the liquid exceeded a certain value. The COF increased with increasing sliding speed under dry conditions and decreased in wet. Under an increasing normal force, the COF decreased regardless of the presence of liquid. The ratio of the real contact area to the nominal contact area of the skin with the steel/glass ball was found to increase with a power law as the applied force was increased. These results reveal basic tribological properties of the skin in contact with a hard slider. These properties could be used as reference for the design and development of artificial skin in prosthetic applications.

Silicon-oxide-assisted wear of a diamond-containing composite

A composite containing diamond in silicon carbide substrate was studied for revealing wear mechanisms. Due to the low production cost, this material is being evaluated as an alternative economical solution in industry. Tribochemical examination was conducted using a pin-on-disk configuration in both aqueous and dry environments. Characterization was conducted on worn disks and wear debris. Phase transformation from diamond carbon (sp3) to graphite, tetrahedral carbon, or amorphous carbon (sp2) in friction was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. In addition, the Raman peak of wear debris identified a shift from crystalline Si (521 cm−1) to the mixture of amorphous silicon and silicon oxide at 510 cm−1. The surface roughness of the diamond particles was found to be greatly reduced due to wear. The smoothening of the edges was due to polishing by silicon oxide as abrasives promoting removal of weaker sp2 bonded carbon. This research proposes a tribochemical wear mechanism of diamond that has significant benefit...

The mechanical forces in katydid sound production

Katydids and crickets generate their characteristic calling sound by rubbing their wings together. The mechanisms of the rubbing force, however, have not been extensively studied. The change of mechanical force with external parameters (speed and applied load) in the stridulation process has not been reported. Our current study aims to investigate the mechanical forces of katydid stridulation. Four pairs of files and plectrums from a katydid, which are responsible for the katydids sound production, were examined with a specially designed experimental configuration. Due to the asymmetric nature of the wing motion in their opening and closing, the contact between the plectrum and file resembles that of a ratchet. Multiple frequencies were generated during experimental wing rubbing so that a calling-like sound was produced. Results showed that the morphology of the plectrum/file contact has significant effects on mechanical forces induced on the wings and resulting sound production. The roles of the mechani...