Micro and nano scale statistical properties of randomly rough engineering surfaces and their tribological properties

Surface roughness is a key factor in determining successful component performance in modern nanotechnology, precision engineering and tribological applications. However, currently there is no clear understanding how roughness affects dry friction, adhesion, and contact between rough surfaces. The current statistical approaches to description of surface roughness are rather primitive. The objective of the proposed cross-disciplinary research is threefold: (i) to develop the stochastic versions of the multiscale and multilevel models of rough surfaces at nano/microscales; (ii) to perform multiscale experimental studies of engineering surfaces at the scales using state-of-the-art experimental methods including scanning force microscopy and stylus profilometery; and (iii) to test the developed models in application to models of dry friction and adhesion between the surfaces. The study will involve a combination of novel statistical approaches to the experimental data obtained and applications of modern methods of nanomechanics and numerical simulations of the developed models. The proposed research will enable understanding of the parameters that are of importance for adhesion, contact interactions and friction between rough engineering surfaces including surfaces of bulk engineering materials and coatings. in various practical applications.

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first class degree or a good 2.1 and/or an appropriate Master’s level qualification (or their equivalent).

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)