This study aims to elucidate the tribological mechanisms that are at the origin of the tactile perception of deterministic textured surfaces. A set of 51 custom-made surfaces were characterized from a psychophysical perspective to quantify their perception level according to three perception categories previously defined. Further, specific in vivo tribological tests and a numerical model allowed to determine the friction coefficient, the real contact area, and the friction induced vibrations related to the fingerpad/textures contact. Results highlight clear relationships between the mechanical signals and the perception level according to each category.
Fundamental tribo-mechanisms involved in the perception of textured surfaces
