Does Temperature affect the coeffecient of friction?

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    Friction Temperature
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether the temperature of a road surface affects the coefficient of friction between tires and the road. Participants explore various aspects of this relationship, including the effects of temperature on both the road surface and tire materials, as well as the implications for performance in different conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the temperature of the road surface influences the friction between the tire and the road, with a focus on how heating can soften tire materials.
  • Others argue that the interaction between the road surface and tire temperature is complex, noting that both materials must be considered when assessing friction.
  • A participant raises a hypothetical scenario regarding the coefficient of friction at different road temperatures (130°F vs. 50°F) before the tires have had time to soften.
  • One participant introduces a microscopic perspective, stating that increased temperature causes expansion in solids, which may create more surface irregularities that enhance friction.
  • There is a mention of environmental factors, such as water vapor and dust, that could affect friction at lower temperatures, potentially leading to slippery conditions.
  • Another participant points out that hot brake pads may exhibit less friction due to gas layers formed during heating, which complicates the relationship between temperature and friction.
  • Discussion includes the idea that different materials (e.g., asphalt vs. cement) behave differently with temperature changes, indicating that the effect of temperature on friction may depend on the specific materials involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the relationship between temperature and friction, with no consensus reached. Some agree that temperature affects friction, while others highlight the complexity of the interaction and the role of different materials.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the effects of temperature on friction may depend on various factors, including the specific materials of the tires and road surface, as well as environmental conditions such as moisture and dust. There are unresolved questions regarding the precise mechanisms at play and how they interact.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying materials science, automotive engineering, or anyone curious about the physics of friction and its practical implications in different temperature conditions.

JBeans
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I have a Question, and I'd appreciate it if someone could give me a definite answer:
Does The temperature of the road surface affect the friction between the tire and road surface?
 
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Sure, Is not this why the dragsters spin their tires before a race?
 
Yes, but that makes the rubber softer, doesn't it. See I'm trying to figure out if the road surface's temperature has anything to do with the friction between it and the tires. So are you saying that anything when is heated, the coeffecient of friction increases?
 
hotter road surface will mean hotter therefore softer tires. Friction requires 2 materials, how do you separate the effects?
 
Suppose the tires hadnt been on the road as yet, and The temperature of the road gets to 130 degrees (F). Now if the tires were to come into contact now with the road, would the coeffecient of friction be different than that if the road was 50 degrees? I'm just saying before the tires had time to soften.
 
the teason temp affects friction is a 'microscopic' one. When you increase the temperature of most common solids (ie. rubber, pavement) The solids expand, creationg greater 'gorges' or bough bumps on the surface, causing more friction. If it is cold outside, there microscopic 'gorges' attract, and the surface begins to lose friction.
 
Thanks that helps.. so one more question, would there be any difference in friction in a temperature change, say from 40 degrees fahrenheit to 140?
 
Nenad said:
the teason temp affects friction is a 'microscopic' one. When you increase the temperature of most common solids (ie. rubber, pavement) The solids expand, creationg greater 'gorges' or bough bumps on the surface, causing more friction. If it is cold outside, there microscopic 'gorges' attract, and the surface begins to lose friction.

That makes sense, but I thought that hot brake pads have less friction because they are expanded from normal.
 
JBeans said:
Thanks that helps.. so one more question, would there be any difference in friction in a temperature change, say from 40 degrees fahrenheit to 140?

There are a lot of factors involved. For example, at 40 degrees the water vapor in the atmosphere would condense slightly on the pavement, making the road much more slippery and low in friction. Depending on the day, the water might mix with settled dust on the road, making a small layer of "mud" (I don't think you would see it very well), and in this case you would have "hydroplaining" going on, which is very bad because it causes there to be very little friction. When it gets hot to 140, then the pavement would expand and I guess increase in friction, at least that's what would make sense.
 
  • #10
ArmoSkater87 said:
That makes sense, but I thought that hot brake pads have less friction because they are expanded from normal.

Hot brake pads have less friction mostly due to a layer of gas that is created when the pads vaporize. This thin layer of gas acts as a lubricator. Most performance disc's have holes or slots cut through them to release the gas and help cool the disk.
 
  • #11
JBeans said:
Suppose the tires hadnt been on the road as yet, and The temperature of the road gets to 130 degrees (F). Now if the tires were to come into contact now with the road, would the coeffecient of friction be different than that if the road was 50 degrees? I'm just saying before the tires had time to soften.
Asphalt also softens with temperature... Though, cement does not.

So, the answer to your initial question is: depends on the material.

And then there's viscous friction...
 

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