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Listing of the coefficient of sliding friction values for a variety of hard greased materials - Succeed in Physical Science. Also refer to Physics, static, kinetic, surface roughness, clean, lubricated, scientific measurements, engineering tables, scientific method, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions

Coefficient of Friction Values for Greased Surfaces

by Ron Kurtus (2 November 2005)

Engineering laboratories have measured the coefficient of friction for a number of materials that are lubricated by grease and have tabulated the results. These coefficient of friction values apply only to sliding hard surfaces against each other. Since various experimental parameters such as the type of grease are not listed, considerations should be made in using these tabulated values because they may not directly relate to your application.

Questions you may have include:

• What considerations must be made in using such tables?
• What type of grease is used?
• What are the coefficient values?

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.

Useful tools: Metric-English Conversion | Scientific Calculator.

Note: If you want to hear the text being read, click the Play button. It takes a few seconds for the sound to start. The voices are somewhat mechanical for computer use.

Time = 3 min. 30 sec.

Considerations

The information available on the various coefficients of friction provide a starting point on the subject, but unfortunately the values lack a good scientific basis.

Condition of materials

Effective scientific measurements typically state the exact condition of materials and that of the surrounding environment. Although lubrication with grease may negate the surface roughness factor of the materials, it is still good scientific practice to document the roughness. Another needed factor is the physical condition of the materials.

Test setup

Describing the test setup is important in order to allow others to duplicate and verify the measurements. With friction, the normal force can be a factor in the case of hard materials that may deform slightly under high pressure. That value should be part of the test description.

Testing environment

It is also important to state the testing environment. Although it is unlikely measurements were made under extreme temperature and humidity conditions that affect the coefficient, at the very least those items should be noted.

Greased materials

The static and kinetic coefficients of friction were measured for a variety of materials where "grease" was used as a lubricant. A major problem in using these readings is that we do not know what type of grease was used. Lubrication can vary considerably, depending on the material.

Another factor is the thickness of the lubricating lever of grease. It is assumed a thin coat of grease it used. A real thick coat of grease could greatly change the coefficient values.

Table

The values in the following table show that measurements on most materials seemed to be either static or kinetic. The reference source of the values listed does not indicate why both types of friction were not measured.

You can use these values for the coefficient as a guide, but it is best to perform some tests and measurements in your specific application to get good values.

Summary

Coefficient of friction have been measured for a number of hard, greased materials. A problem occurs with the values in the table concerning the type of grease used. Considerations should be made in using this tabulated material, since it may not directly relate to your application.

Answers to Readers' Questions

Be excellent in your work

Resources

The following resources provide information on this subject:

Websites

Engineer's Handbook - Coefficient of Friction

RoyMech (UK) - Friction Factors

Physical Science Resources

Books

The following books are available from Amazon.com.

Basic

Complete Idiot's Guide To Physics by Johnnie T. Dennis; Alpha (2003) $18.95

What Is Friction? (Ages 4-8) by Lisa Trumbauer; Children's Press (CT) (2004) $4.95

Advanced

Friction and Lubrication in Mechanical Design (Mechanical Engineering Series) by Ali Seireg; Marcel Dekker Pub. (1998) $199.95

Physics of Sliding Friction (NATO Science Series E:) by B.N. Persson, E. Tosatti; Springer Pub. (1996) $358.00

Miscellaneous

Mini-quiz to check your understanding

1. Why should environmental conditions be mentioned?

2. Should the type and amount of grease be stated in listing coefficient?

3. When should you make your own friction measurements?

If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in Physical Science. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.

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Coefficient of Friction Values for Greased Surfaces