Anya Wasilenski
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Research Mentor(s): Anish Tuteja
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Material Science and Engineering / Engineering
Program: UROPF
Session: Session 1 (9:00am – 9:50am)
Authors: Anya Wasilenski, Vincenzo Ciarelli, Matthew Wu, Anish Tuteja
Abstract
Our research is on the topic of the snow-shedding capabilities of different surfaces. In many parts of the world, snow buildup causes major problems in construction, shipping, etc. Active shedding methods, which either use a lot of energy or harmful chemicals, are the most common methods for removing snow. Passive shedding, where snow sheds by its own weight without the additional input of energy, chemicals, labor, etc, is a better way to clear snow off surfaces. Our project seeks to document a baseline for the snow-shedding capabilities of different surfaces and expand the knowledge of snow adhesion. Our research uses lab-made snow whose density and composition can be held constant throughout the tests. Different surfaces are then tested by measuring the force it takes to detach a block of snow from the surface after a period of time. The collected data (force, length, time on the surface, etc.) is then analyzed graphically to identify trends. One conclusion we have so far is that the critical length for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is around 35 cm. At this length, increasing the length of the snow block further does not lead to an increase in the force needed to shed the snow. Another conclusion is that in a comparison of the shedding ability over increasing periods of time of the surface, the HDPE and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) performed better than the Aluminum and Stainless Steel surfaces, requiring lower forces to detach the snow that had been adhered for similar times. Slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS), a type of surface with a film of lubricating liquid trapped in a porous material, performed similarly to the metal surfaces for shorter periods of time and about the same as the plastic for prolonged times. The ideal outcome of this project is to find a surface coating that has the best passive shedding qualities. The impact of this research is mainly for large ships and building/equipment that are in snowy and icy conditions for a good part of the year.
