Indian Institute of Technology, Tirupati
Department of Mechanical Engineering
ME205M:Kinematics and Dynamics of machines
OBJECTIVES:
● To demonstrate Coulomb’s law of friction with reference to,
○ Normal Force
○ Frictional surface area
○ Different frictional plate materials
● To study the Dependency of frictional forces as a function of Different frictional
materials.
INTRODUCTION & EQUIPMENT:
Dry friction equipment provides a broad range of experiments relating to static and
dynamic friction between solid bodies which are in contact with each other and moving
relative to each other. Various influences on friction can be investigated, such as surface
properties and material pairing.
A friction plate slides beneath the stationary friction body. The friction plate is held in a
carriage which is drawn along by a motor at uniform velocity by a motor.
The friction body is connected to a height-adjustable force measuring unit. This ensures
that the lines of action of friction force and tensile force are parallel. The force
measuring
unit is essentially a force gauge which is fitted with an air damper to compensate as far
as possible for slip/stick effects and so indicate a mean friction force (with no spiking).
Three friction plates and two friction bodies are available. The normal force can be
varied by adding weights.
Technical Data:
Friction plate
● LxWxH: approx. 175x80x6mm
● Aluminium
● PVC / felt
● glass
Friction body
● LxW: approx. 50x40mm
● dead-weight force: approx. 1N
● smooth / rough (Al), h=20mm
● Brass / felt, h=5mm
Drive
● Synchronous motor
● Speed: 100 min-1
● Driving velocities: 23,5cm/min, 47cm/min
● Weights: 8x 0.5N
FORMULA:
According to Coulomb’s law of friction, linear friction force (FR) acting on a body
depends on the normal force (FN) acting on that body.
Therefore,
FR
Dynamic friction coefficient : μ=
FN
OBSERVATIONS:
● Felt frictional plate with Aluminium friction body,
FR in N 0 0.05 0.18 0.25 0.36 0.54 0.75 0.85 0.96
FN in N 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
μ 0 0.034 0.09 0.1 0.12 0.155 0.1875 0.189 0.192
=FR/FN
1. Frictional force, FR for large surface area(4N) =0.75 N
Frictional force, FR for small surface area(4N)=0.475N
● Aluminium frictional plate with brass friction body,
FR in N 0 0.278 0.58 0.64 0.752 0.895 1.46 1.5 1.79
FN in N 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
μ =FR/FN 0 0.185 0.290 0.256 0.251 0.256 0.365 0.333 0.358
● Aluminium frictional plate with smooth surface aluminium friction body,
FR in N 0.04 0.28 0.63 0.96 1.04 1.32 1.45 1.73 1.86
FN in N 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
μ 0.040 0.187 0.315 0.384 0.347 0.377 0.363 0.384 0.372
=FR/FN
● PVC frictional plate with smooth surface aluminium friction body,
FR in N 0.02 0.12 0.17 0.24 0.31 0.53 0.602 0.74 1.05
FN in N 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
μ 0.020 0.080 0.085 0.096 0.103 0.151 0.151 0.164 0.210
=FR/FN
1.Differentiate static and dynamic friction.
Static friction is the friction that is present between two bodies which are at rest with
respect to each other.
Dynamic friction is the frictional force which is present between two bodies when they
are in motion with respect to each other.
2. What problems can friction cause?
Mechanical components of cars and other vehicles wear and tear due to friction.
The frictional force between two surfaces causes heat to be produced. As a result, it
keeps the body warm during the winter.
Ignition is also caused by friction. With the simple act of rubbing two stones together, it
helps start a fire by converting kinetic energy into thermal energy.
In machinery, friction is a major cause of power loss.
3. Based on the experiment performed by you please suggest some methods or ways
to reduce the friction between two surfaces.
Using lubricants such as oil or grease can reduce the friction between the surfaces.
By polishing the surface, polishing makes the surface smooth and friction can be
reduced.
Use of ball bearings (i.e. replacing sliding friction with rolling friction)
Streamlining the body.
Friction can be advantageous in some cases, such as when we need to prevent slipping
or sliding.
REPORT BY:
BHAVESH JAIN [ME22B009]
