UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA

CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES

LABORATORY REPORT

COURSE NAME ENGINEERING LABORATORY I

TITLE OF EXPERIMENT FRICTION ON THE INCLINED PLANE
COURSE CODE DAM 13601 GROUP
SECTION
LECTURER'S NAME
GROUP MEMBERS MATRIC ASSESSMENT
1 Cognitive - PLO4
2 Objectives 2.5 %
3 Additional Theory 5.0 %
4 Discussions 10.0 %
5 Conclusions &
10.0 %
DATE OF EXPERIMENT Recommendation
DATE OF SUBMISSION References 2.5 %

EXAMINER COMMENTS TOTAL (PLO 4) 30.0 %

Psychomotor - PLO5
Apparatus 5.0 %
Procedures 10.0 %
Observations 10.0 %
Results 5.0 %
Calculation /
10.0 %
Graphs
Questions 10.0 %
APPROVAL STAMPS TOTAL (PLO 5) 50.0%
* Detailed components for results of
experiment. Changes are subjected to the
form of experimental results obtained.
** The assessment rating guidelines in
the TOS of report must be used together
when conducting the evaluation.
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DAM) STATICS LAB

EXPERIMENT 5
FRICTION ON THE INCLINED PLANE

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this topic, the students will be able to display basic skills and
knowledge of friction on the inclined plane using laboratory equipment, analyze
observable data obtained from friction on the inclined plane experiment properly.

5.1 INTRODUCTION

Friction can be defined as a force of resistance acting on a body that prevents or

retards slipping of the body relative to a second body or surface with which it is in
contact. This force always act tangent to the surface at points of contact with other
bodies. This friction force is opposite to the existing motion of the body relative to
these points.

5.2 THEORY

When a block is placed on an incline, the tendency is for the block to slide down
the plane. If the angle of inclination is small the block is prevented from slipping
by the friction between the surfaces. As the angle is increased, the force exerted
down the plane due to the weight of the block also increases, but the force
pressing the surfaces together will decrease. At the angle of friction, the force
acting down the plane just to overcome the friction and sliding takes place. This
could be described as in Figure 1.

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Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DAM) STATICS LAB

The sum of forces (parallel to the inclined plane), ∑ 𝐹 = 0

Thus, 𝑃 = 𝑆 + 𝐹 …………….………………(1)

𝑆 = 𝑊 sin 𝜃
Where, 𝑅 = 𝑊 cos 𝜃

𝐹 = 𝜇𝑅 = 𝜇𝑊 cos 𝜃
𝑃 = 𝑊 sin 𝜃 + 𝜇𝑊 cos 𝜃………..…(2)

P : the force that required to overcome the friction to pull a block up the plane
S : the force acting down the plane due to the weight.
R : the force pressing down the surfaces together causing friction.
F : the friction force

The coefficient of friction, :

𝑃 = 0; 𝑆 = 𝐹 = 𝜇𝑅
From Equation (1): If 𝑊 sin 𝜃 = 𝜇𝑊 cos 𝜃
sin 𝜃
𝜇= = tan 𝜃…………...(3)
cos 𝜃

Where, 𝜃: is the angle of inclination of plane and µ is the coefficient of friction.

Figure 1: Friction on the inclined plane diagram

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Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DAM) STATICS LAB

5.3 OBJECTIVES
* The objective of the experiment is the reason for which student completing the experiment. Refer
from learning outcomes.

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(2.5 marks)

5.4 ADDITIONAL THEORY

* The additional theory or information must be related to the topic. Please DO NOT simply copy
the theory from lab manual or handout given.

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(5 marks)

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Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DAM) STATICS LAB

5.5 APPARATUS
* Generally, explain the experimental set up or operation of the system, together with the function
of main components of the apparatus. Attach picture.
(5.0 marks)
Table 1: Friction on the Inclined Plane Equipment List
No Apparatus Qty
1 Work Panel 1
2 Inclined Plane 1
3 Friction Sled 1
4 Weight Hangers (10g) 1
5 Weight (10g) 50
6 Inclinometer 1
7 Friction Plates
- Wood 1
- Plastic 1
- Metal 1
8 Friction Surfaces
- Wood 1
- Plastic 1
- Metal 1

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Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DAM) STATICS LAB

Figure 2: Experiment Setup A (Angle of Friction)

Figure 3: Experiment Setup B (Friction)

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Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DAM) STATICS LAB

5.6 PROCEDURES
* Describe a systematic procedure of the experiment including the specimen or component,
equipment, and/or methods used. Please DO NOT simply copy the procedure from a lab manual
or a handout given. Student may construct a flow chart for this procedure and attach relevant
image for every important steps.
(10 marks)

Setup A (Angle of Friction)

1. Secure the Work Panel as shown in Figure 2.
2. Set the plane at an angle of 0 degrees. Make sure the plane is bare metal.
3. Attach the Metal Friction Plate under the Sled, to give a metal-metal
surface.
4. Put the empty Sled on the Plane to the far right.
5. Slowly tilt the plane in steps of 2.5 degrees. At each step, recheck the
tightness of your fixings and give the Sled a little push or tap the Work
Panel, to break the static friction until the Sled slides smoothly all the way
down the plane.
6. Repeat this test a few more times until the angle that makes the Sled slide
is consistent. Record the angle in Table 2.
7. Repeat the experiment with the Wood Friction Plate and the Wooden Plane
Surface, giving a wood-wood surface. Then repeat with the Plastic Friction
Plate and the Plastic Plane Surface, giving a plastic-plastic surface.
8. Finally, repeat with the Metal Friction Plate and the Rubber Plane Surface,
giving a metal-rubber surface.

Setup B (Friction)
1. Secure the Work Panel as shown in Figure 3.
2. Set the plane at an angle of 0 degrees. Note: The angle of the plane is
critical in this experiment. Take extra time to make the plane perfectly level.
Make sure the plane is bare metal and its surface is clean.
3. Attach the cord to the Sled.

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Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DAM) STATICS LAB

4. Attach the Metal Friction Plate under the Sled.

5. Add 40 × 10 g weights to the Sled.
6. Put the Sled on the Plane to the far left.
7. Lay of the cord over the pulley at the right of the plane and add an empty
Weight hanger. Each time of adjustment of Sled, remember to readjust the
height of the End Pulley if necessary, to make sure the cord runs parallel
to the plane.
8. While tapping the Work Panel (to remove stiction), slowly add weights to
the Weight Hanger until the Sled just starts to move. Remember to use the
1 g weights for fine adjustment.
9. Record the total Hanger Weight needed to move the Sled in Table 3.
10. Repeat the experiment with the Wood Friction Plate and the Wooden Plane
Surface, giving a wood-wood surface. Then repeat with the Plastic Friction
Plate and the Plastic Plane Surface, giving a plastic-plastic surface.
11. Finally, repeat with the Metal Friction Plate and the Rubber Plane Surface,
giving a metal-rubber surface.

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Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DAM) STATICS LAB

5.7 OBSERVATIONS
* Observe the behavior of subjects that are in a controlled environment. Record any qualitative
observations and notes on the changes to the experimental parameter. Student must be able to
distinguish the different between observations and procedures as well as the results of
experiment.

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(10 marks)

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Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DAM) STATICS LAB

5.8 RESULT
*Record all experimental data resulting from the experiment and present the results by using
tables, graphs, figures and/or images. List separately all pertinent mathematical equations
followed by a sample of calculation for each. Use the recorded data from the experiment when
performing the calculations.

Table 2: Angle of friction experimental results (Setup A)

Surface Angle, 𝜽 tan, 𝜽

Metal to metal

Wood to wood

Plastic to plastic

Metal to rubber

Table 3: Friction experimental results (Setup B)

Experimental Theoretical
Sled mass
Surface
(g) Mass Force, Mass Force,
(g) P (N) (g) P (N)
Metal to metal

Wood to wood

Plastic to plastic

Metal to rubber

APPROVED BY

(5 marks)

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Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DAM) STATICS LAB

5.9 CALCULATION

1. Calculate the Coefficient of Friction by using equation (3) for experiment

Setup A.
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(5 marks)

2. Calculate the theoretical masses and forces by using equation (2) for
experiment Setup B.
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(5 marks)
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Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DAM) STATICS LAB

5.10 DISCUSSIONS

1. Discuss the relation of surface contact for the sled with the values of the
coefficient of friction and the angle of friction.
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(5 marks)

2. Discuss the values of ‘F’ obtained by experiment and calculation. Compare

those values with the force (S) acting down the plane.
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(5 marks)
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Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DAM) STATICS LAB

5.11 QUESTIONS

1. Suggest some reasons why there are differences occur between the
values of 'F' by experiment and 'F' by calculation.
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(4 marks)

2. Does the surface affect the force needed? Suggest the ideal surfaces for
low friction.
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(3 marks)

3. Give three (3) engineering applications showing the significance of the

friction on the inclined plane.
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(3 marks)
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Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DAM) STATICS LAB

5.12 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS

* Summarize the findings of the experiment, which must include the results of the experiment and
the conclusions must respond to the objectives of the experiment that have been specified.
Comment on the error or problems faced throughout the experiment and suggest recommendation
for the improvement.

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(10 marks)

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Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DAM) STATICS LAB

5.13 REFERENCES
* Provide at least five (5) relevant references – three from the books and the other two from any
other resources.

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(2.5 marks)

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