Project 1
Sip, Savour, and Science: Investigating Wine Astringency Through Tribology
Introduction
Wine, including the likes of red wine, constitutes an incredibly intricate solution infused with myriad organic compounds. These compounds shape the wine's bouquet, flavour profile, and tactile sensations, collectively crafting the sensory journey as one indulges in its consumption. This, of course, holds true for varieties such as rose and sparkling wine, which offer unique characteristics of their own – traits that play a pivotal role in determining both the gustatory delight and the monetary value associated with each bottle. Among the array of sensory elements, astringency emerges as a paramount facet of the tactile experience. Often likened to a "dryness" attributed to the debonding the highly lubricious salivary proteins, resulting in a significant increase in oral friction, astringency mechanisms need to be carefully understood.
Objective
Traditional winemakers have been recently leveraging scientific research in tribology (i.e.: the study of friction and lubrication) to advance the aroma, taste, and mouthfeel of wines. This field of study is still in its infancy and this projects aims to advance the breadth of knowledge related to astringency perception of wine products.
To achieve this, the project aims to recreate the oral contact and imitate the mouth (tongue – palate interaction) through a silicone-rubber (PDMS) hemisphere, rubbing against the counterpart PDMS disc, in a pin-on-disk configuration. The oral mimicking components will be assembled inside a newly purchased Bruker UMT TriboLab, and the wines’ impact upon the salivary pellicle, as well as the delubrication process (frictional response), will be assessed for various types of wines. The observed tribological response (i.e.: variation in frictional response) will be correlated with mouthfeel ratings from a human taste panel.
Approach
Literature review on the perception of astringency as an important factor in wine consumption
Design of an experimental procedure to investigate the impact of various types of wine on the salivary pellicle
Experiments using the state-of-the-art equipment available in the Green Tribology Lab at King’s
Collection of mouthfeel ratings from human sensory panels
Data analysis
Paper writing
Project 2
The Espresso Effect: Coffee’s Journey through the Salivary Pellicle
Introduction
Tasting is an art, but can an experimental procedure be developed to rank the body of various coffee beans in an automatic way, removing the need for sensory taste panels?
Oral tribology, the study of friction, lubrication, and wear in the mouth, plays a significant role in explaining how we perceive the taste and texture of coffee. When we drink coffee, it comes into direct contact with the surfaces of our mouth, including the tongue, palate, and oral mucosa. These interactions are influenced by the physical and chemical properties of coffee, including its viscosity, temperature, and chemical composition.
Recent scientific research has found an inverse correlation between the coffee body and astringency (i.e.: a dry puckering sensation in the mouth). As astringency is closely related with the delubrication of saliva and thus increased friction inside the mouth, an automatised way of ranking coffee body could be provided by measuring the impact of various types of coffee upon the salivary pellicle.
Objective
1. Investigate coffee’s viscosity and its impact on mouthfeel: The viscosity of coffee affects how it flows in the mouth. Oral tribology studies the friction between the liquid coffee and the surfaces of the mouth, such as the tongue and palate. The viscosity of coffee can influence its perceived thickness or "mouthfeel." Creamy, thick coffee might have a different mouthfeel than a lighter, more watery brew, impacting the overall taste experience.
2. Temperature and Sensory Perception: Oral tribology also considers the temperature of the coffee. The hot temperature of freshly brewed coffee can affect how flavours are perceived. High temperatures can enhance the release of volatile compounds responsible for aroma and flavour, affecting the overall taste sensation.
3. Impact of Coffee on Salivary Pellicle – Adsorption of Compounds: Coffee contains various compounds, including proteins, polyphenols, and lipids. These compounds can adsorb onto the salivary pellicle, altering its composition. The interaction between coffee components and the pellicle can affect the perception of coffee flavour by modifying the way taste molecules interact with taste receptors on the tongue.
To achieve this, the project aims to recreate the oral contact and imitate the mouth (tongue – palate interaction) through a silicone-rubber (PDMS) hemisphere, rubbing against the counterpart PDMS disc, in a pin-on-disk configuration. The oral mimicking components will be assembled inside a newly purchased Bruker UMT TriboLab, and the coffee’s impact upon the salivary pellicle, as well as the lubrication process (frictional response), will be assessed for various types of coffee (bean origin, roast level, brewing method, and coffee-to-water ratio). Viscosity measurements will be performed using an Anton Parr viscometer, also available at King’s College.
Approach
Literature review on the impact of coffee on salivary pellicle as an important factor in assessing the mouthfeel for various types of coffees
Experimental procedure design, to investigate the frictional and rheological properties of coffee
Experiments using the state-of-the-art equipment available in the Green Tribology Lab at King’s
Data analysis
Paper writing
Projects 3 and 4
HarmoniCoat: The Art and Science of Coated Guitar Strings
Introduction
Tribology, the science of friction, wear, and lubrication, plays a pivotal role in understanding the profound impact of surface coatings on guitar strings. The strings of a guitar are in constant contact with the frets, the nut, and the bridge, creating a dynamic interplay of forces and movements. Surface coatings on these strings can significantly affect their frictional properties, wear resistance, and overall performance. Whether it's enhancing durability, reducing string noise, or achieving a specific tonal quality, tribological research is essential. By examining how different coatings influence factors like string-to-string interaction and string-to-fret contact, tribologists can help musicians and manufacturers optimize the design and selection of coatings for guitar strings, ultimately enhancing the player's experience and the quality of music produced. In this context, tribology bridges the gap between materials science and the art of music, highlighting its crucial importance in the world of guitar manufacturing and performance.
Objective
The project will be divided in two parts: Option A (Student A) will design and manufacture a string holder capable of adjusting the tension of the strings. This will be later integrated in a state-of-the-art tribometer available in the Green Tribology Lab at King’s. Option B (Student B) will design and manufacture an acoustic emission (AE) setup capable of recording the sound produced by the guitar strings (this will allow the capture and analyses of the acoustic signals generated by the strings during their vibrational modes). Following the development of the experimental setup, both students will investigate the following:
1. Characterise Coating Performance: Utilise the available tribometer and the newly designed setup to quantitatively assess and compare the frictional properties of various guitar string coatings. Measure coefficients of friction and wear rates to determine which coatings offer the best performance.
2. Tribological Impact on Tone: Investigate how different coatings affect the vibrational properties of guitar strings. Explore the correlation between friction, wear, and the resulting tonal quality to identify coatings that optimize sound production.
3. Noise Reduction: Investigate the noise generated by coated strings during sliding and bending movements. Identify coatings that reduce unwanted string noise, improving the clarity and purity of the produced music.
4. Influence of Environmental Factors: Explore how different environmental conditions, such as humidity and temperature, affect the tribological properties of coated strings. This can help musicians choose coatings suitable for their performance environments.
Approach
Literature review on the fundamental challenges of surface coatings on guitar strings
Design and modification of an experimental setup capable to investigate the impact of surface coatings on guitar strings (i.e.: frictional properties, acoustic signals generated by the strings during their vibrational modes)
Experiments using the state-of-the-art equipment available in the Green Tribology Lab at King’s
Data analysis
Paper writing
Project 5
Unravelling the Rails Autumn Challenge: The impact of wet leaves on railway tracks
Introduction
Tribology, the science of friction, wear, and lubrication, plays a crucial role in studying the impact of wet leaves on railway tracks. When leaves become moist and fall on railway tracks, they form a slippery layer that reduces the friction between the wheels of trains and the rails. This reduced friction can lead to a range of safety hazards, including delayed schedules, increased braking distances, and even accidents. Understanding the tribological properties of this leaf-rail interface is essential for railway operators and engineers. By delving into the intricacies of how moisture, leaves, and the materials of the tracks interact, engineers can help develop innovative solutions such as specialized coatings, cleaning mechanisms, or improved braking systems to mitigate the adverse effects of wet leaves on railway safety and efficiency. Tribologyical insights are indispensable in ensuring the reliability and smooth operation of the railway system, safeguarding both passengers and cargo.
Objective
Conduct a comprehensive review of the challenges of wet leaves on railway tracks. Employ a state-of-the-art Bruker TriboLab test equipment, already available at King’s College, to investigate the following:
1. Friction Coefficient Analysis: Measure and analyse the friction coefficients between various leaf types (e.g., dry leaves, wet leaves) and different rail materials under controlled conditions to understand the extent of slipperiness.
2. Moisture Effects: Investigate how varying moisture levels on leaves affect the friction coefficients and develop a comprehensive understanding of the moisture-leaf-rail interaction.
3. Impact of Speed and Load: Investigate how the speed and load of trains affect the friction between wheels and rails when encountering wet leaves, as this can help optimise operational guidelines.
Approach
Literature review on the fundamental challenges of wet leaves on railway tracks
Experimental procedure design, to investigate the impact of wet leaves moisture on friction coefficient, as well as the impact of load and speed.
Experiments using the state-of-the-art equipment available in the Green Tribology Lab at King’s
Data analysis
Paper writing
Project 6
Behind the Scenes, Beyond the Screen: Unmasking the Carbon Footprint of Film Production
Introduction
This project is specifically designed for dedicated students who share a profound passion for the world of cinema.
A comprehensive carbon footprint analysis of movie production involves a meticulous examination of the greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout the entire filmmaking process. This multifaceted assessment scrutinises emissions at every stage, starting from pre-production, where decisions regarding scriptwriting, location scouting, and set construction are made, all the way through filming and post-production processes like editing and special effects. By delving into the carbon footprint of movie production, we can pinpoint areas where emissions are most significant and identify strategic opportunities for reduction. This analysis not only acknowledges the environmental impact of the film industry but also paves the way for sustainable practices that can help minimise the film industry's contribution to climate change, ultimately leading to a more environmentally conscious and responsible approach to filmmaking.
Objective
In this research endeavour, you will conduct a comprehensive literature review and embark on an extensive analysis of the carbon footprint associated with film production. Your objectives will encompass:
1. Quantify Emissions: Measure and quantify greenhouse gas emissions generated at each stage of movie production, including pre-production, filming, and post-production.
2. Identify Key Contributors: Determine which aspects of film production contribute most significantly to carbon emissions, such as set construction, transportation, or energy use.
3. Benchmarking: Compare emissions data from different films, genres, and production methods to identify trends and variances.
4. Technology Assessment: Evaluate the environmental impact of various filming technologies and equipment choices, such as camera types, lighting, and special effects.
5. Location Impact: Investigate how location choices for shooting impact emissions, considering factors like travel, energy sources, and local environmental regulations.
6. Supply Chain Analysis: Examine the carbon footprint of materials and resources used in filmmaking, such as costumes, props, and set materials.
7. Best Practices: Develop a set of best practices and guidelines for sustainable film production to serve as a reference for the industry.
8. Case Studies: Include case studies of successful sustainable film productions as examples of how emissions can be reduced effectively.
By accomplishing these objectives, you will aspire to shed light on the environmental impact of filmmaking and chart a path toward a more sustainable and responsible future for the industry.
Note: The primary goal is to produce a high-quality academic journal paper that delves into the intricate details of this research. To achieve this, we are seeking a candidate who not only possesses a profound passion for cinema but also demonstrates a strong commitment to rigorous academic research and a keen interest in contributing valuable insights to the field.
Approach
Desk research
Scientific literature review
Data analysis
Interviews with 5-7 movie industry players, e.g. production companies
Journal Paper writing – highly encouraged
Project 7
Revving Towards a Hydrogen-Powered Future: Unravelling Lubrication Challenges in ICE Technology
Introduction
As part of the drive to improve air quality and to meet increasingly stringent regulations, there is now a heavy focus in the automotive industry on exploring the use of hydrogen as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels. Particularly, the direct injection of pure hydrogen in ICE (Internal Combustion Engines) is getting significant traction. Combustion of hydrogen has been touted as an alternative to electric vehicles for over a decade, but has itself struggled, for example, with the complexities of fuel storage and performance challenges. As the former drawback was gradually addressed (i.e.: ranges of up to 1350 km being achieved on a single tank of hydrogen), the performance challenges are recently getting increased attention. As water is the product of combustion of hydrogen (in particular hot vaporous water), one of the main challenges is related to the degradation of the lubricant (the unusually high-water content in the oil leads to corrosive attacks on piston rings, cylinder heads, and the combustion chamber).
Objective
Conduct a comprehensive review of the fundamental challenges of hydrogen direct injection with a focus on the hydrogen’s lack of lubrication and reach a conclusion regarding the relative long-term potential of hydrogen fuelled ICE. Employ a state-of-the-art PCS Instruments tribometer available at King’s College to investigate the long-term impact of water on oil degradation (i.e.: assess the lubrication properties of the oil following contamination). The water content will be progressively increased and the frictional properties of various lubricants suitable for hydrogen fuelled internal combustion engines will be measured over extended periods of time.
Approach
Literature review on the fundamental challenges of hydrogen direct injection
Experimental procedure design, to investigate the long-term impact of water on the oil’s lubrication properties. The water percentage mixed with oil will be increased progressively
Experiments using the state-of-the-art equipment available in the Green Tribology Lab at King’s
Determine the setup’s efficiency in evaluating the characteristics of a contaminated lubricant, as well as in controlling the degradation process
Data analysis
Paper writing
ProjectS 8 and 9
A Taste of Sustainability: Understanding the mechanical behaviour of alternative fats
Introduction
Plant-based diets are a major opportunity for mitigating and adapting to climate change, with a recent report by the Boston Consulting Group estimating that meat and dairy alternatives are humanity's single most effective measure for reducing greenhouse gases. Given the high appeal of animal food products, it is of paramount importance to increase consumer acceptability of alternative (plant-based and fermented) fats.
The mechanical characterisation of plant fats entails a meticulous exploration of their physical properties and behaviours under external forces. Plant fats exhibit a diverse range of mechanical responses that influence the dynamic changes of the food during the process of chewing, and consequently the products’ palatability. Understanding their viscosity, elasticity, and frictional response is crucial in food science, where texture, mouthfeel, and stability are key factors. Through techniques like rheometry, indentation, and frictional shearing (tribology) researchers delve into the intricate mechanical nuances of plant fats, unravelling their structural intricacies and aiding in the development of products that meet precise performance criteria.
Objective
It is known that fat affects mouthfeel and is frequently used in food products to reduce astringency, given the strong correlation between fat percentage and measured friction. Throughout this project we aim to characterise the mechanical properties of plant-based fats, comparing their response and behaviour with animal fats.
We will characterise and compare milk fat from a selection of dairy animals (cattle, goats, sheep) alongside commonly used plant fats (coconut oil, sustainable palm oil, and cocoa butter) to reach in-depth conclusions about the key factors influencing sensory perception (friction, saliva-fat interactions at molecular level, hydration of mucins which act to lubricate oral surfaces).
To achieve this, the project aims to recreate the oral contact and imitate the mouth (tongue – palate interaction) through a silicone-rubber (PDMS) hemisphere, rubbing against the counterpart PDMS disc, in a pin-on-disk configuration. The oral mimicking components will be assembled inside a newly purchased Bruker UMT TriboLab, and the plant-based fats’ impact upon the salivary pellicle, as well as the lubrication process (frictional response), will be assessed for the above-mentioned types of fats. Rheology measurements will be performed using an Anton Parr viscometer, also available at King’s College.
Approach
Literature review on the mechanical characterisation of fats as an important factor in plant-based foods development
Experimental procedure design, to investigate the frictional and rheological properties of plant-based fats
Experiments using the state-of-the-art equipment available in the Green Tribology Lab at King’s
Data analysis
Paper writing
Project 10
Powering Tomorrow: Tribological Insights into Solid-State Battery Technology
Introduction
Tribology plays a pivotal role in the development and performance of new solid-state batteries, with a primary focus on optimising the interface between the solid electrolyte and electrodes. This interface is critical because it often exhibits high resistance, limiting ion flow and thereby reducing battery performance and efficiency. Solid-state batteries, which offer advantages such as enhanced safety and higher energy density, are particularly sensitive to issues like limited ion conductivity, mechanical stress-induced cracking, and high operating temperatures. Tribological research is indispensable in addressing these challenges by ensuring a seamless and mechanically stable connection between solid electrolytes and electrodes. As we strive for cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, tribology's central role in perfecting this vital junction accelerates progress towards a greener and more efficient future in energy storage technology.
Objective
In the pursuit of advancing our understanding of solid-state battery technology, this research project is dedicated to conducting a comprehensive literature review. Throughout this review, our objectives encompass examining key factors related to:
1. Analysing Strategies for Solid-State Battery Interface Enhancement: The primary objective entails a comprehensive review of strategies employed in the optimisation of solid-state battery interfaces, particularly the reduction of interface resistance to facilitate ion flow, thereby enhancing overall battery performance and efficiency.
2. Exploring Ion Conductivity Enhancement Approaches: In addressing the challenge of limited ion conductivity in solid-state batteries, this research will explore various materials and design approaches discussed in existing literature to augment ion mobility within the solid electrolyte, potentially resulting in increased power output.
3. Reviewing Approaches to Mitigate Mechanical Stress: The literature review aims to identify methods discussed in prior research that mitigate the adverse effects of mechanical stress (varying applied loads), including cracking induced by volume changes during charge and discharge cycles.
4. Investigating Strategies for Long-Term Interface Stability: A key objective involves an in-depth review of strategies employed to maintain the stability and compatibility of solid-solid interfaces within batteries over extended periods, ensuring sustained high performance and extended lifespan.
5. State of the Industry Mapping: To bring this research further into the practical realm, the student should explore the industry landscape, identifying key innovators and detailing supply chain dynamics triggered by the rise of solid state batteries.
6. Contributing to Sustainable Energy Discourse: Ultimately, this literature review project aligns with the broader goal of advancing discourse on cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions. By critically assessing tribological challenges discussed in existing literature pertaining to solid-state batteries, it aims to contribute valuable insights towards the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly energy storage technologies.
Approach
Desk research
Scientific literature review
Data analysis
Interviews with 3-5 industry players, e.g. battery manufacturers, industry associations
Paper writing
Project 11
Design and Development of a Mini Wind Tunnel DIFFUSER to be Used for Formula STUDENT
Introduction
Wind tunnels are large tubes through which an air flow is introduced to simulate the interactions between a vehicle traveling on the ground or in flight and the air surrounding it. The air in a wind tunnel moves around a stationary object (e.g., a scale model of an airplane, car, race helmet, or even a golf ball) and helps engineers understand the air forces impacting the object in the real world. In car racing competitions, aerodynamics is of great importance as increased downforce gives the car more grip in corners, while less drag allows the racing car to go faster in a straight line. Starting with the 2022 season, Formula 1 regulators have decided to limit the use of wind tunnels to 60% scale models only, limiting the ability of F1 teams to simulate what happens on the track with full accuracy.
Objective
The aim of this project is to design and manufacture the components of a laboratory grade mini wind tunnel (this project will focus on designing and building the DIFFUSER, as the contraction cone has already been built) that will ultimately be employed to test the aerodynamics of scale model racing cars. The tunnel could potentially be employed in the future to evaluate the aerodynamics of Formula Student racing vehicles. Formula Student is Europe's best known educational engineering competition, organised annually in the UK by the IMechE.
Approach
Literature review on the design of wind tunnels with a focus on laboratory-grade mini wind tunnels for scale models
CAD design of the proposed assembly
Manufacturing the assembly
Testing the newly developed setup
Determining the rig's efficiency in assessing drag