Date of Last Revision
2023-05-02 15:14:00
Major
Biology
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Summer 2015
Abstract
In an effort to better understand the fascinating gecko adhesive system, scientists have long tested the abilities of the gecko in controlled conditions that mimic the gecko’s native environment. The effects of humidity, environmental temperature, and exposure to water have all been tested. Roughness, however has not been studied in great detail. Surfaces of varying roughnesses are all over the gecko’s natural environment. We tested geckos on hydrophilic silicon carbide sandpapers of varying roughnesses in both air and water to attempt to better study the effects of roughness on gecko adhesion. When tested on the rougher (1 µm) surface, the geckos shear adhesive pull-off force was significantly larger than on the less rough (0.5 µm) surface. Finally, we tested the effect of treatment (air or water) on the rough surfaces and found that there was no significant effect on adhesion when being exposed to water or air on a rough surface. There was a non-significant trend for the difference between the two roughnesses to be larger in water than in air, but sample sizes and statistical power to test this effect were low.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Peter H. Niewiarowski
First Reader
Dr. Peter H. Niewiarowski
Second Reader
Dr. Ali Dhinojwala
Recommended Citation
Palecek, Amanda, "The Effects of Substrate Roughness in Air and Water on the Gecko Adhesive System" (2015). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 223.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/223