Stiction is when non-slipping objects remain fixed in place due to static friction. It can be observed with various objects and can be a problem in engineering at a microscopic level. Non-stick coatings are used to address the issue. Understanding stiction is important in controlling object movement.
Stiction is a portmanteau of “static” and “friction” used to describe situations where non-slipping objects remain fixed in place. We usually think of “friction” in the context of objects in motion, so “static” is added to clarify that objects are stationary, but continue to experience some form of friction. To release stuck objects, you need to apply some pressure to make the objects separate. This phenomenon can be observed with a wide variety of objects and can become a serious problem in some applications.
A simple example of stiction is easy enough to demonstrate. If a piece of wood is placed on top of a larger piece of wood and the large piece is tilted, the small piece will usually hold its position for a moment before sliding down. While the smaller block is locked, it exhibits friction, which is eventually overcome when the larger block is tilted at a sufficient angle. The observer can usually overcome the stiffness by nudging the smaller block lightly with a finger or two.
Different forces can be involved in friction. In a simple example of friction, sometimes a hard drive fails due to components sticking together. This is most common when a computer has been left idle for an extended period of time without being turned on. Rigidity can also be observed with some other types of moving parts that are left motionless, sometimes requiring great force to separate the parts.
One area where this phenomenon can become a problem is the engineering of parts, including electronic systems, at a microscopic level. The level of workmanship and detail is so fine on such systems that friction can become a recurring problem. In fact, some are treated with a non-stick coating to address the problem beforehand. Such coatings are developed by companies working with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and other projects conducted at the microscopic level.
Understanding how grip works can be important in controlling the movement, or lack thereof, of various objects. Researchers interested in this phenomenon can develop controlled experiments designed to explore static friction and examine ways in which it can be overcome, sometimes with the goal of meeting a specific design or engineering need, sometimes for a more general interest.
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