Coefficient of friction of medium carbon steel

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the coefficient of friction for medium carbon steel and the compressive stress of materials, particularly in the context of a college project involving a power screw. Participants explore the relationship between yield stress and compressive stress, as well as the factors influencing friction coefficients in steel applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express difficulty in finding the coefficient of friction for medium carbon steels and seek clarification on compressive stress.
  • One participant references a resource that lists friction coefficients for various grades of steel, noting that they do not vary much and that metal-on-metal friction is generally high.
  • Another participant discusses the use of Euler's equation for buckling in the context of a power screw under compressive force and questions the appropriateness of using yield stress for compressive loading.
  • Some participants suggest that allowable compressive stress is often related to yield stress and may depend on the type of compressive stress being analyzed.
  • There is mention of structural codes and guidelines from organizations like AGMA or ASME that may provide recommendations for stress analysis in designs involving power screws.
  • Surface finish and lubrication are noted as significant factors affecting the coefficient of friction between steel components.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific values for the coefficient of friction or allowable compressive stress, and multiple perspectives on these topics remain. The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the application of yield stress in compressive scenarios.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for clarity on the definitions and types of compressive stress being analyzed, as well as the influence of various factors on friction coefficients, indicating that the discussion may be limited by these considerations.

Desner
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i've been searching for the friction coefficient between medium carbon steels but can't find it,
and also i see everywhere the yield stress of materials but i can't find the compressive stress of materials
 
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Desner said:
i've been searching for the friction coefficient between medium carbon steels but can't find it,

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/friction-coefficients-d_778.html

Look toward the bottom of the table for 'Steel-steel'. The friction coefficients for the various grades of steel will not vary much. As a rule of thumb, the coefficient of friction of metal on metal tends to be relatively high, which is why railroads use steel wheels on steel rails.

and also i see everywhere the yield stress of materials but i can't find the compressive stress of materials

It's not clear what you mean here by "compressive stress".

For metals, the Young's modulus also applies when the material is under compression, but there are other effects, like buckling, which must be considered. If you can be more specific about what you are looking for ...
 
thank you for the quick answer :).
I'm using a very long power screw - loaded with compressive force, I used euler equation for buckling and i know that it is the most risky case,Therefore i already chose a matching screw, But - because it is a project in college, I must show that the screw is not failing at other effects like crush,shear..and i did show that, But i used (Yield stress / Safety facor) as the allowable stress even though i know that the yield stress is only for tension and i need the yield stress for !compressive! force. Maybe you know where can i find the allowable compressive stress.
I'm sorry for my english, I hope everything is clear now.
 
Well, it depends on the type of compressive stress you are analyzing and the type of structure/machine being analyzed.

In most structural codes, compressive stress due to bearing or shear is limited to a certain factor of the yield stress, like tensile stresses are. To account for the interaction of the various types of stress, things like Unity Check values were developed by the AISC to determine an overall measure of suitablity for a particular combination of loads. A lot of stress analysis involves a combination of tensile/compressive/pure shear loadings, bending/torsion, thermal, etc.

Since you are designing a power screw, about the only advice I can give you is to check the codes of an organization like AGMA or ASME and see what is recommended for your particular design.
 
Thank you for your helpful and detailed explanation, you helped me a lot.
 
SteamKing said:
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/friction-coefficients-d_778.html

Look toward the bottom of the table for 'Steel-steel'. The friction coefficients for the various grades of steel will not vary much. As a rule of thumb, the coefficient of friction of metal on metal tends to be relatively high, which is why railroads use steel wheels on steel rails.

The surface finish of the two part is a significant factor as well as any lubrication present
 

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