Indirect measurement of metallic adhesion force as a function of elongation under dynamic conditions

Recently, an experimental apparatus has been designed and realized to measure the impulses generated by the quick separation of adhered bodies under near-zero gravity conditions. The present paper is aimed at extending the information about adhesive bonds that can be gained from these experiments, by evaluating also the adhesion force as a function of elongation. This is performed indirectly by fitting a mathematical model of the system dynamics to the signals measured by the experimental apparatus. The obtained results are particularly relevant in space engineering, since adhesion forces may affect the manipulation of objects, especially when they must be released into geodetic motion under controlled residual velocity conditions.

► Quick separation of adhered bodies under near-zero gravity conditions is studied.
► A mathematical model of the system dynamics is fitted to the body motion signal.
► Adhesion force to elongation function is indirectly determined.