Coefficient of 'Kinetic' Rolling Friction(?)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of rolling resistance in relation to the coefficients of friction for rolling objects. Participants explore whether there are distinct coefficients for static and kinetic rolling friction, similar to sliding friction, and the implications of these coefficients on the forces required for initial acceleration versus maintaining motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the coefficient of rolling friction is constant for both stationary and moving objects, suggesting that a larger force may be needed for initial acceleration from rest.
  • Another participant asserts that for a wheel, the coefficients differ between stationary (static friction) and rolling (rolling friction).
  • A further contribution proposes that a wooden wheel on a wooden surface would experience the same resistive force as a stationary block of wood, assuming equal mass.
  • It is suggested that the term "rolling resistance" is more appropriate than "rolling friction" to avoid confusion with static or dynamic friction. This participant also introduces the idea of "static" rolling resistance being related to overcoming flat spots on wheels that have been at rest.
  • One participant notes that rolling resistance is typically considered a constant fraction of the weight on the wheel, although it may vary with speed, and expresses uncertainty about the specific formula.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of rolling resistance and whether distinct coefficients exist for static and kinetic scenarios. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus on the definitions or implications of rolling friction versus rolling resistance.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the definitions of rolling resistance and friction, as well as the assumptions about the conditions under which these forces are analyzed. The discussion does not provide a clear formula for rolling resistance, and the relationship between static and kinetic coefficients remains ambiguous.

mart7x
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When looking at rolling objects, the force of rolling resistance is determined by a coefficient of rolling friction. Is this coefficient constant for an object when both stationary and moving? Or is there a separate static and kinetic coefficient as there is with sliding friction?

I am asking this because the research I have done into this so far, I have only found talk of just the one coefficient. However an object on wheels much surely require a larger force for initial acceleration from stationary than to maintain velocity once in motion? If you could recommend any literature on this subject that would be very kind, I have searched through a number of books on Statics but can't seem to find much information.

Martin
 
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Unless it's moving it's not rolling.
 
So... for a wheel for example: Stationary - Coefficient of Static Friction, Rolling - Coefficient of Rolling Friction.

If a surface was made of wood, a wooden wheel would have the same resistive force as a block of wood when resting stationary on top (assuming they have the same mass)?
 
It should be called rolling resistance, not rolling friction, since that can cause it to be confused with actual friction (static or dynamic).

You could consider "static" rolling resistance to be related to the amount of torque or force it takes to overcome a "flat' spot at the bottom of the wheel if it's been at rest for some time. For example a cold tire on a car that's been at rest overnight. Normally rolling resistance is considered a constant fraction of the weight on the wheel (or the force between tire and pavement). It may vary a bit with speed, but I don't know the formula.
 

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