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Sliding friction of rubber

Nature volume 257, pages 118–120 (1975)Cite this article

Abstract

WE report experiments demonstrating that it is possible to predict quantitatively the level of friction arising when a smooth rubber sphere slides on glass. Analysis of the sliding friction is based on a surface energy approach. Observations show that when a smooth rubber surface advances over glass by a continuous peel process (Schallamach waves) the work done in the region of contact can be calculated in terms of a rate-dependent surface energy and thus an expression found for the tangential frictional stress required to maintain uniform relative motion between the surfaces. In some cases predicted and observed frictional stresses agree to within 10%.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Malaysian Rubber Producers' Research Association, Brickendonbury, Hertford, SG13 8NP, UK

    A. D. ROBERTS & S. A. JACKSON

Authors
  1. A. D. ROBERTS
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  2. S. A. JACKSON
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ROBERTS, A., JACKSON, S. Sliding friction of rubber. Nature 257, 118–120 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1038/257118a0

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