In this research we propose the investigation of a novel mechanical interface which we call the surface acoustic wave active bearing (SAW-AB). Tribology has long been a serious concern at the sliding mechanical interface and numerous efforts have been made to understand and
In this research we propose the investigation of a novel mechanical interface which we call the surface acoustic wave active bearing (SAW-AB). Tribology has long been a serious concern at the sliding mechanical interface and numerous efforts have been made to understand and control the tribology in the interface design. Our a new approach uses surface acoustic waves (SAW) to create a direct contact interface with zero effective friction between two surfaces moving at high relative velocities. This is the opposite of ultrasonic motors (USM), which use SAW and friction to create forces between two surfaces. In the SAW-AB both surfaces move relative to one another and the contact point does not move, however. The creation of zero-velocity contact points eliminates the need for lubricants and concerns about friction and also enables a host of new applications. The SAW-AB in essence is an active mechanical bearing.
Integrated with this research programs is an ongoing effort for the development of new interdisciplinary courses within our department that focus on the fundamentals of mechanics, tribology and metrology. Our research effort is formed from an interdisciplinary group of PIs from Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Computer engineering.
Intellectual merit: The main objective of this research is to gain new understanding about the dynamics of SAW and the interface of traveling SAW and moving surfaces that we believe will lead to a revolutionary new technique for suppressing friction and wear between moving surfaces. In this research we will devel