Annoyed about coefficient of friction -- What is lowest possible?

In summary, the lowest coefficient of friction value currently known is 0.004 for a ball-on-disc wear test between alumina and silicon nitride ceramic bodies in water. However, for synovial joints in humans, the coefficient of friction is even lower at 0.3%. This shows that the type of material and environmental factors, such as temperature and lubrication, can greatly affect the coefficient of friction.
  • #1
Dinheirow
2
0
Just wondering, what would be the lowest coefficient of friction value we know nowadays? From what material is it? Does the temperature between two surfaces interferes on the friction coefficient value?
 
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  • #2
Steel on ice = 3%

Coefficient can go up with temperature.
 
  • #3
Think I've managed to google up a claim of 0.4%...

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0043164812002736

In a ball-on-disc wear test, an alumina ceramic body sliding against a silicon nitride ceramic body in water achieved an ultra-low friction coefficient (ULFC) of 0.004.
 
  • #4
Cool, thanks
 

1. What is coefficient of friction?

Coefficient of friction is a measure of the resistance between two surfaces in contact with each other. It tells us how difficult it is to slide one surface over the other.

2. Why is the coefficient of friction important?

The coefficient of friction is important because it helps us understand how much force is needed to overcome the resistance between two surfaces. This is crucial in many applications, such as designing machines or determining the safety of surfaces for walking or driving.

3. How is the coefficient of friction calculated?

The coefficient of friction is calculated by dividing the force required to move an object over a surface by the weight of the object. It is usually represented by the symbol "μ" and has no unit of measurement.

4. What affects the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction can be affected by various factors, such as surface roughness, material type, temperature, and the presence of lubricants. It can also vary depending on the direction and speed of the movement between the surfaces.

5. What is the lowest possible coefficient of friction?

The lowest possible coefficient of friction is 0, which indicates that there is no resistance between the two surfaces and they can move easily without any force. This is only achievable in ideal conditions and is not common in real-world scenarios.

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