Comments on old and recent experiments of "stickiness" of a soft solid to a rough hard surface

TL;DR

This paper revisits the asperity model of Fuller and Tabor in light of recent theories and experiments, highlighting that stickiness depends mainly on long wavelength roughness and that intermediate resolution measurements are sufficient.

Contribution

It clarifies the conditions under which the Fuller and Tabor model aligns with recent theories, emphasizing the importance of long wavelength roughness in stickiness.

Findings

Good correlation at intermediate resolutions.

Stickiness depends on long wavelength roughness.

Confirmation of Persson & Tosatti and Ciavarella models.

Abstract

The old asperity model of Fuller and Tabor had demonstrated almost 50 years ago surprisingly good correlation with respect to quite a few experiments on the pull-off decay due to roughness of rubber spheres against roughened Perspex plates. We revisit here some features of the Fuller and Tabor model in view of the more recent theories and experiments, finding good correlation can be obtained only at intermediate resolutions, as perhaps in stylus profilometers. In general we confirm the predictions of the Persson & Tosatti and Bearing Area Model of Ciavarella, as stickiness depends largely on the long wavelength content of roughness, and not the fine features. Therefore, multi-instruments measurements should hopefully not be needed.