
is the tilt angle. The tilt angle at which sliding starts gives the static coefficient of
friction. The minimum angle, which is needed to just susta in motion, gives the kin-
etic coefficient. For tests involving sliding over a cylindrical mandrel, the following
relationship is used:
m ¼
lnðT
1
=T
2
Þ
y
ð10:3Þ
In this equation, T
1
and T
2
are the tensions on each side of the mandrel (T
1
> T
2
) is the
difference in tension across the mandrel and is wrap angle in radians.
In friction tests where Eq. (10.1) is used, the friction force is usually measured as a
function of time during the test. Figure 10.3 shows two general forms of these data when
plotted as a function of time or sliding distance. Curve A illustrates a situation where the
static coefficient of friction is different than the kinetic coefficient of friction. In this
case, the static coefficient is based on the initial peak value of the force. The kinetic co-
efficient is generally based on a time-average of the force after slip takes place. Some
initial stick-slip behavior is also shown in this curve. Curve B is a general form where
there is no difference between the static coefficient and the dynamic, as well as no
stick-slip. In either case, these two graphs illustrate the fact that the friction force is
not usually constant but fluctuates in these tests. The ability to resolve such fluctuations,
including stick-slip behavior, curve C, and a difference between static and kinetic coeffi-
cients, depends on the resolution capability of the measuring system. In addition, the
stiffness of the apparatus can be a factor in stick-slip behavior and differences between
the static and kinetic coefficients. It is possible that both types of curves could be
observed for the same materials with different instrumentation and apparatus stiffness.
When the normal force is not constant, instantaneous values of the coefficient of friction
can be defined by simultaneously measuring the friction and normal. Again the ability to
resolve short-term fluctuations depends on the instrumentation.
An illustration of stick-slip behavior is also shown in Fig. 10.3, curve C. When this
occurs, only the static coefficient of friction can be determined, using the peak values of
the friction force. It is possible that variations in the peak force might be observed over
time, as a result of changing surface conditions.
As with wear test, it is generally recommended that details of the test be reported,
along with the results.
REFERENCES
1. K Budinski. In: P Blau, ed. Friction, Lubrication, and Wear Technology, ASM Handbook. 18.
Materials Park, OH: ASM International, 1992, pp 45–58.
2. Standard Guide for Measuring and Reporting Friction Coefficients. West Conshohocken,
PA: ASTM G115.
3. Standard Test Method for Measurement of Web=Roller Friction Characteristics. West
Conshohocken, PA: ASTM G143.
4. Standard Test Method for Determination of Surface Lubrication on Flexible Webs. West
Conshohocken, PA: ASTM G164.
Copyright 2004 by Marcel Dekker, Inc. All Rights Reserved.