Design and analysis of an accurate macro-scale friction measurement set-up

Abstract

This study has identified two types of friction that are found when dealing with two surfaces of a body which are in contact. One type friction has a coefficient of static friction, μ s, which increases the longer the body is at rest relative to its base. The other type of friction has a kinetic coefficient of friction, μ k, which increases the faster the unanchored body is moving relative to its base. Techniques were developed to quantify these behaviors. Among them are the inclined plane and weight pulley are conventional tests normally used to measure macro-scale friction properties. Uncertainty and inaccuracy are normally associated with the measurements from these tests. Thus, this study involves designing of a low-cost and accurate set-up for a macro-scale friction force measurement. The measurements using the new design will be validated against any known frictional properties.