A Biomimetic Approach to Ice Friction

Abstract

This chapter addresses ice friction from a biomimicry perspective. Ice and its liquid form water are integral parts of the natural life cycle and therewith stand at the center of our existence, which makes them interesting targets for biomimetic engineering. A historic overview of friction and ice friction introduces the matter. The relevant tribological background is established and ice as a matter is discussed. On this basis the different parameters that influence ice friction are discussed. Biomimetic approaches to adapt the influence of material-related parameters to the desired amount are outlined. Furthermore, experimental methods to measure ice friction are addressed and finally the most important ice friction models are briefly introduced. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012.