Scientists have solved the long-standing mystery of why ice remains slippery even at extremely cold temperatures by showing through molecular simulations that sliding causes local breakdown of ice's crystal structure, forming a disordered, water-like layer that facilitates slipperiness without the need for melting. This challenges previous theories that relied on pressure melting or frictional heating, highlighting that motion-induced amorphization is the key factor in ice's slipperiness.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have scientifically quantified the unique properties of baseball's 'magic' mud, used on every Major League Baseball game ball. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, confirms that the mud enhances ball performance by improving spreadability, grip, and stickiness, debunking the notion that its use is merely superstitious. The findings highlight the mud's irreplaceable qualities compared to synthetic alternatives and suggest broader applications for natural materials as lubricants.
Scientists at Skoltech have unraveled the mystery of superlubricity, a phenomenon where friction is extremely low and does not depend on the weight of the sliding body. They conducted experiments, numerical simulations, and theoretical conceptualization to explain the atomistic mechanism behind this phenomenon and formulated alternative friction laws for superlubricity. The study reveals that synchronous thermal fluctuations, in sync with the sliding motion, play a crucial role in hindering relative motion between surfaces, leading to ultralow friction. Understanding this at the microscopic level could have significant implications for energy-saving mechanisms worldwide.
Researchers at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have used piezoelectric nanoparticles to study the physics of non-Newtonian fluids, such as oobleck. They discovered that friction between particles plays a crucial role in the transition of these fluids from a liquid to a more solid structure. This understanding could lead to the design of new non-Newtonian fluids with practical applications, such as paint that doesn't clump, liquids that harden when shaken, and wearable protective gear that stiffens upon impact. The research also paves the way for the development of adaptive and responsive materials that become stiffer under mechanical force.
New research demonstrates that the amount of friction between two silicon surfaces, even at large scales, is determined by the forming and rupturing of microscopic chemical bonds between them. This discovery opens up possibilities for controlling friction using surface chemistry techniques, which could have significant implications for reducing energy consumption, material wear, and increasing positioning precision in machinery.
Researchers at Aalto University have developed the most water-repellent surface ever created, challenging existing ideas about friction. The surface, known as a self-assembled monolayer (SAM), is assembled at the molecular level and exhibits liquid-like properties. It has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including de-icing techniques, maritime technologies, space exploration, and cookware. The researchers found that water flows freely between the SAM molecules at low coverage, sliding off the surface, while at high coverage, the water stays on top and slides off easily. The discovery opens up numerous possibilities for applications such as heat transfer, anti-fogging, microfluidics, and self-cleaning surfaces. The team is working on improving the durability of the ultra-thin layers for practical use.
American caddie Joe LaCava reached out to Rory McIlroy following a contentious day at the Ryder Cup, expressing respect, but McIlroy denied meeting him. The friction began when LaCava celebrated in McIlroy's sight line after Patrick Cantlay's birdie putt, leading to an angry response from McIlroy and his caddie. The issue escalated when Jim "Bones" Mackay, a friend of LaCava, tried to talk to McIlroy, resulting in a heated exchange. McIlroy and Mackay did not speak before McIlroy's Sunday singles match.
Dancing With the Stars pro Sharna Burgess reveals that she had a difficult celebrity partner whom she couldn't even be in the same room with after the first couple of weeks due to incidents that occurred. Although she doesn't name the partner, she appeared with actor Jesse Metcalfe in the following season after winning the Mirrorball trophy with Bobby Bones. Metcalfe's personal publicist responded, stating that they didn't get along. Burgess also shares that she was not invited back as a pro for the upcoming Season 32, which was a shock for her.
Dean McDermott and Tori Spelling's differing ways of coping with their divorce have reportedly caused tension between them. McDermott prefers to keep things private, while Spelling tends to make their personal lives public. The recent string of events, including their living arrangements, health concerns, and drama, has added to the friction. McDermott is trying to navigate through it all and be there for Spelling and their children, but it seems they can't get on the same page. The couple confirmed their split in June 2023 and have been living separately.
The US is concerned about the growing defense partnership between Russia and Iran, with Iran supplying arms to Russia for use in Ukraine. However, there are signs of increasing friction between the two countries, with Moscow proving to be an unreliable partner. Iran expected to receive Russian Su-35 jets and other military equipment, but there is no indication that they have received or will receive any of it in the foreseeable future. Iranian officials feel embarrassed by Russia's failure to adhere to commitments. Additionally, Moscow's support for the United Arab Emirates' claim over disputed islands in the Persian Gulf has strained relations with Iran. The head of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service suggests that Iran seeks a transactional relationship with Russia rather than a strategic defense partnership.
Scientists at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a coating made of carbon nanotubes that reduces friction in load-bearing systems with moving parts, such as vehicle drive trains and turbines, by at least a hundredfold. The coating reduces the friction of steel rubbing on steel to nearly zero, which could help reduce energy consumption and elongate the lifespan of systems. The ORNL coating could help reduce the US economy's annual loss of over $1 trillion to friction and wear, equivalent to 5% of the gross national product.
A rare green meteor, known as a bolide, exploded over Australia, creating a bright flash of light and a loud bang that could be seen and heard for hundreds of miles. The meteor was likely small, between 1.6 and 3.2 feet across, and could have been traveling up to 93,000 mph. Bolides are meteors that blow up in Earth's atmosphere due to a buildup of friction that eventually causes the space rocks to instantaneously shatter with enough force to trigger a sonic boom. The unusual green flash of the meteor was caused by a high concentration of metals such as iron and nickel in the meteor.
