Tribological Behavior of Very Thin Confined Films

The tribological properties of two smooth surfaces in the presence of a thin confined film are investigated with a generic model for the interaction between two surfaces and with computer simulations. It is shown that at large normal contact pressures, an ultra thin film automatically leads to static friction between two flat surfaces - even if the surfaces are incommensurate. Commensurability is nevertheless the key quantity to understand the tribological behavior of the contact. Qualitative differences between commensurate and incommensurate contacts remain even in the presence of a thin film. The differences mainly concern the thermal diffusion of the contact and the transition between smooth sliding and stick-slip.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figure

Book review: gender and violence in the Middle East by Moha Ennaji and Fatima Sadiqi

Fatima Sadiqi’s edited volume on the relationship between gender and violence in the Middle East breaks down stereotypes and presents innovative ways to judge the issues at hand, as reviewed by Asiya Islam

Book review: postcolonial media culture in Britain by Rosalind Brunt and Rinella Cere

Postcolonial Media Culture in Britain is a refreshing and interesting text that introduces readers to postcolonial theory using the context of British media culture in ethnic minority communities to explain key ideas and debates. Asiya Islam is concerned that the book lacks a detailed exploration of gender-specific issues, but applauds it for taking on important under-discussed topics