Berlin 2024 – scientific programme

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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 15: Poster IIb

BP 15.23: Poster

Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 18:00–20:30, Poster F

Haptic Perception of Nanomechanical Surface Properties — •Paul Zech, Martin Dehnert, Alexandra Bendixen, Andreas Otto, and Robert Magerle — Fakultät für Naturwissenschaften, TU Chemnitz

In the realm of analyzing and presenting scientific data, scientists heavily rely on their visual perception. Graphical representations of data, either as diagrams or tables, appear to be the standard approach. Here, we present a method for exploring nanomechanical properties on the human scale through haptic perception. This methodology opens up the possibility of utilizing multiple human senses simultaneously when analyzing data. We use a haptic device to translate the tip–sample interaction forces measured with an atomic force microscope (AFM) on the nanometer scale into forces perceivable by humans. In doing so, we introduce a generic rate-independent hysteresis model that describes sequences of mechanical phenomena occurring in AFM-based nanoindentation experiments, including plastic indentation, elastic response, capillary adhesion, and surface leveling. This model accurately describes the complex nanomechanical behavior of collagen fibrils in native tendon, and it is also applicable to other soft materials. As an example for human tissues, we demonstrate the interactive haptic exploration of gelatin droplets at different relative humidities. This allows to vary the mechanical properties of gelatin over a large range, from a stiff solid to a very soft gel.

Keywords: haptics; atomic force microscopy; nanomechanics; hysteresis; gelatin