Recently, we showed that the liquid friction for sliding along a solid surface can be understood using an analogy to Amontons’ laws for a solid sliding on another solid. In this experimental project, you will create surfaces with different levels of friction and adhesion to liquids and investigate the relationship to the wettability, friction and adhesion properties of the solid. Experimental work will include creating and characterizing a range of surfaces with different wettability and friction properties, taking and analyzing videos of droplets on surfaces using bespoke set-ups and a Krüss DSA system, and measuring droplet-surface adhesive forces using a tensiometer.
We expect that you will have a good degree in Engineering or Physics and a desire to perform practical experiment-based research. If successful, you will become a member of the Wetting, Interfacial Sciences and Engineering Group within the Institute for Multiscale Thermofluids at the School of Engineering. You will join a vibrant community of PhD students, postdoctoral research associates and academics working in various aspects of surfaces and wetting, and will develop as a scientist benefiting from our track record, which includes publications in top journals, international collaborations and contributions to key international conferences.
Dr Gary Wells will also supervise this project.