| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/L86340/01 |
| Title: |
JREI: APPLICATION OF OPTICAL INTERFEROMETRY TO MICRO- MECHANICS AND MICRO-TRIBOLOGY |
| Principal Investigator: |
Chetwynd, Professor DG |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Department: |
Sch of Engineering |
| Organisation: |
University of Warwick |
| Scheme: |
JREI |
| Starts: |
21 June 1998 |
Ends: |
20 June 2000 |
Value (£): |
74,166
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Eng. Dynamics & Tribology |
Materials Characterisation |
| Surfaces & Interfaces |
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| No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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State-of-the-art topographic interference microscopes provide fast, non-contact measurements with unprecedented combinations of range and resolution. In principle, they should be capable of observing contact conditions through a transparent substrate but the subsequent imbalance of the optical paths makes this technologically challenging in practice. We propose to research new techniques and hence to modify an instrument for observing surface topography under light contact and other small-scale tribological effects, including the behaviour of newer conducting polymers, that are of great relevance to micro-mechanical devices. The research will test theoretical models of contact and so ultimately lead through improved surface design to lower energy usage and lower pollution levels from engines and other machinery. It will also aid the development of new micro-actuators and sensors for a wide range of scientific and industrial activities. This proposal specifically concerns the purchase of high-performance instrumentation to enable this work and also greatly to enhance current research in microsystems technology and the characterisation of materials at surfaces. In the spirit of the Joint Research Equipment Initiative, it will be set up to offer special measurements more widely to other research groups.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.warwick.ac.uk |