The Mechanical Theory of Adhesion—Changing Perceptions 1925-1991

Abstract

Abstract The changing fortunes of the mechanical theory of adhesion are traced from McBain and Hopkin's work in the 1920s to that of Venables in the 1970s and 1980s. Some comments are made on the factors which were associated with changes, during the period surveyed, in the accepted view of the importance of the theory. Key Words: historical context of mechanical adhesion theoriesphilosophy of scienceinterlocking hypothesesobjectivity of theoryrationality of change in scienceroughness and adhesionanodisingaluminiumtitanium