Subarna Khanal

Papers

Total Citations

121

H-Index

About

Subarna Khanal is a leading researcher in soft matter physics, whose work bridges fundamental mechanics and real-world applications in adhesion and tribology. Her most-cited study, "Linking energy loss in soft adhesion to surface roughness" (2019, 121 citations), provides a mechanistic framework for understanding why the apparent work of adhesion in soft materials is consistently lower than theoretical predictions—a puzzle critical to industries from tire manufacturing and gaskets to biomaterials and soft robotics. By connecting energy dissipation during contact to surface roughness, Khanal’s research offers a quantitative pathway to design more reliable adhesives and seals. Her contributions have been widely recognized, with this work alone garnering over 120 citations, reflecting its impact on both academic theory and practical engineering. Khanal’s ability to translate complex interfacial phenomena into actionable insights makes her a key voice in soft matter research, inspiring students and engineers alike to rethink how materials stick, slide, and fail.