Welcome to February 2010 Journal Club!  This month, I look forward to a lively discussion on the mechanics of structured and patterned interfaces in which geometry is used to tailor adhesion.  Much of the work in this area has been inspired by a variety of animals and insects that have feet covered with small structures (often hierarchical and sub-micrometer in size at the end) that allow them to strongly adhere to a broad range of surfaces.  The best known example is the Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko), which can achieve an adhesion force much greater than its body weight and can quickly form and separate adhesive contacts between their feet and a range of smooth and rough surfaces.  In the journal club this month I do not want to delve into the mechanics of Gecko a

Yesterday I had the distinct pleasure of seeing a mechanics seminar delivered "tag-team" by Ken Johnson and Jim Greenwood. (I know several people have thought I was a bit mad for jumping "across the pond" but there are really some amazing benefits of being part of the Cambridge Engineering faculty!)