BeginnerTopic 11 of 106Engineering Mechanics

Friction

Resists sliding; static friction is up to μsN and kinetic friction is μkN.

In depth

Dry friction is bounded: F≤μsN before slipping and F=μkN during sliding, μk usually less than μs. The friction angle φ=atan μs. Applications: wedges, belts, brakes, screws.

Key points

  • Friction opposes impending motion
  • Independent of contact area in the basic model
  • Rolling resistance is much lower
Example

A 50 kg crate with μs=0.4 needs about 196 N to start moving.

Why it matters

Friction decides whether objects slide, how brakes work and why a ladder does not slip, so it is part of almost every practical design.

Where this is used

  • Checking whether a crate will slide on a loading ramp.
  • Sizing a brake pad for a required stopping force.
  • Designing a clamp that holds a part without slipping.

Frequently asked questions

What is Friction?

Resists sliding; static friction is up to μsN and kinetic friction is μkN.

Why is it important to understand friction?

Friction decides whether objects slide, how brakes work and why a ladder does not slip, so it is part of almost every practical design.

What is the difference between static and kinetic friction?

Static friction adjusts up to a maximum of mu s times N to prevent sliding. Once sliding starts, kinetic friction takes a lower, roughly constant value of mu k times N.

Does friction depend on contact area?

In the basic model it does not. The friction force depends on the normal force and the coefficient, not on the apparent area.

How is Friction used in practice?

Typical applications include checking whether a crate will slide on a loading ramp, sizing a brake pad for a required stopping force and designing a clamp that holds a part without slipping.

What should I learn before Friction?

Study "Supports and reactions" first (topic 10 of 106 in Engineering Mechanics). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.

What are the key points of Friction?

Friction opposes impending motion. Independent of contact area in the basic model. Rolling resistance is much lower.

Can you give an example of Friction?

A 50 kg crate with μs=0.4 needs about 196 N to start moving.

What comes after Friction?

The next topic is "Trusses", which builds directly on this one.

How difficult is Friction?

It is classed as Beginner in Engineering Mechanics (topic 11 of 106). It is an entry-level topic. It relies only on basic school mathematics and the ideas introduced earlier in this discipline.

Learning path

Want to practise? Open the interactive course for quick checks, quizzes, simulations and progress tracking.

Related topics