This collection includes most of the ASU Theses and Dissertations from 2011 to present. ASU Theses and Dissertations are available in downloadable PDF format; however, a small percentage of items are under embargo. Information about the dissertations/theses includes degree information, committee members, an abstract, supporting data or media.

In addition to the electronic theses found in the ASU Digital Repository, ASU Theses and Dissertations can be found in the ASU Library Catalog.

Dissertations and Theses granted by Arizona State University are archived and made available through a joint effort of the ASU Graduate College and the ASU Libraries. For more information or questions about this collection contact or visit the Digital Repository ETD Library Guide or contact the ASU Graduate College at gradformat@asu.edu.

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Description
It is well known that the geckos can cling to almost any surface using highly dense micro
ano fibrils found on the feet that rely on Van Der Waals forces to adhere. A few experimental and theoretical approaches have been taken to understand the adhesion mechanism of gecko feet. This work

It is well known that the geckos can cling to almost any surface using highly dense micro
ano fibrils found on the feet that rely on Van Der Waals forces to adhere. A few experimental and theoretical approaches have been taken to understand the adhesion mechanism of gecko feet. This work explains the building procedure of custom experimental setup to test the adhesion force over a temperature range and extends its application in space environment, potentially unsafe working condition.



This study demonstrates that these adhesive capable of switching adhesive properties not only at room environment but also over a temperature range of -160 degC to 120 degC in vacuum conditions. These conditions are similar to the condition experienced by a satellite in a space orbiting around the earth. Also, this study demonstrated various detachment and specimen patch preparation methods. The custom-made experimental setup for adhesion test can measure adhesion force in temperature and pressure controlled environment over specimen size of 1 sq. inch. A cryogenic cooling system with liquid nitrogen is used to achieve -160 degC and an electric resistive heating system are used to achieve 120 degC in controlled volume. Thermal electrodes, infrared thermopile detectors are used to record temperature at sample and pressure indicator to record vacuum condition in controlled volume. Reversibility of the switching behaviour of the specimen in controlled environment confirms its application in space and very high or very low-temperature conditions.

The experimental setup was developed using SolidWorks as a design tool, Ansys as simulation tool and the data acquisition utilizes LabVIEW available in the market today.
ContributorsMate, Sunil (Author) / Marvi, Hamidreza (Thesis advisor) / Rykaczewski, Konrad (Committee member) / Lee, Hyunglae (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2016
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Description
This thesis presents a study on the optimization of friction pads, centered around a custom friction setup designed to enhance the operational efficiency of tube inspection robots. By surface texturing of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) pads, inspired by the remarkable design of lizards' toes, this research pioneers the development of friction pads

This thesis presents a study on the optimization of friction pads, centered around a custom friction setup designed to enhance the operational efficiency of tube inspection robots. By surface texturing of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) pads, inspired by the remarkable design of lizards' toes, this research pioneers the development of friction pads aimed at significantly elevating the adaptability and effectiveness of robotic systems in the challenging domain of industrial tube inspection. A cornerstone of this study is the novel friction setup, which has been carefully engineered to simulate real-world operational conditions with high precision. This custom-built apparatus, capable of exerting variable normal loads and accommodating diverse surface textures on curved pipe surfaces, has been instrumental in uncovering the intricate behavior of friction pads. Notably, the setup's capacity to measure forces on curved surfaces with a 6-axis load cell, providing critical insights into frictional forces in multiple directions, stands out as a pivotal contribution to the field. Through exhaustive experimentation facilitated by this advanced friction setup, the research has demonstrated that the design and texture of PDMS pads, particularly those featuring triangular grooves at a depth of 1 mm, markedly influence their frictional performance. These pads exhibit superior traction, especially under higher loads and on corroded surfaces, underscoring the importance of angular groove geometries in enhancing mechanical interlocking with surface irregularities. The inverse relationship observed between the coefficient of friction and applied normal force across various textures further highlights the nuanced mechanical behavior of PDMS friction pads under stress, accentuating the critical role of the custom friction setup in enabling these discoveries. This insight necessitates a refined approach to load application, ensuring optimal frictional engagement. This thesis not only advances the understanding of PDMS pad frictional behavior but also introduces a new frictional device testing method through its innovative friction setup. Future explorations will build on this foundation, probing the effects of different PDMS compositions, surface treatments, and environmental conditions on frictional performance, propelled by the capabilities of the custom friction setup.
ContributorsJain, Siddharth Rohit (Author) / Marvi, Hamidreza (Thesis advisor) / Dehghan-Niri, Ehsan (Committee member) / Rykaczewski, Konrad (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2024