WEDGE FRICTION

Prepared by:
ENGR. RAYMOND S. ABESAMIS, ME, CLSSYB, MIE
ME Program Co-Chair
I. INTRODUCTION
A wedge is a simple device of triangular cross-section used for small
adjustment in the position of a body or to apply large forces. Wedges mainly
depend on friction when functioning. When a wedge is pushed forward, its faces
exert large normal forces which can be used to lift the load.
 Governing Formulas:

Example 1. Determine the minimum weight of block B that will keep it at rest while a
force P starts block A up the inclined surface of B. The weight of A is 50 N and the
angle of friction for all surfaces of contact is 13°.
Example 2. Two blocks each weighing 20 lb and resting on a horizontal surface, are to
be pushed apart by a 30° wedge. The angle of friction is 15° for all contact surfaces.
What value of P is required to start movement of the blocks?
Example 3. A block weighing 1500 N, overlying a 10° wedge on a horizontal floor and
leaning against a vertical wall, is to be raised by applying a horizontal force to the
wedge. Assuming coefficient of friction between all the surfaces in contact to be 0.25,
determine the minimum force required to raise the block.