Theoretical Investigation on the Friction Behavior of Bio-Inspired Hard-Soft-Integrated Materials

Structural biological materials with integrated soft and hard phases are ubiquitous in nature. Over recent decades, bio-inspired hard-soft-integrated materials (BHSIMs) have shown excellent mechanical properties of drag reduction and abrasion resistance. This work is proposed to investigate the friction behaviors of BHSIMs via theoretical modeling, numerical simulation and experimental verification. First, the mathematical model of the friction process was established based on the classic adhesive friction theory. Then, a range of factors in the friction process were examined by simulation and the respective friction coefficients were discussed. Subsequently bio-inspired materials with integrated soft and hard layers were prepared by 3D printing and their friction coefficients were measured by experiments, which had verified the results of theoretical analyses.

Automated summary

Research investigates the friction behaviors of bio-inspired hard-soft-integrated materials through theoretical modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental verification. The mathematical model based on classic adhesive friction theory was established, and a range of factors in the friction process were examined to discuss respective friction coefficients. Bio-inspired materials with integrated soft and hard layers were printed and their friction coefficients were measured in experiments, verifying the results of theoretical analyses.