Ice vs. Teflon : coefficent of friction

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SUMMARY

Ice exhibits a lower coefficient of static friction (μs) than Teflon when comparing ice on ice to Teflon on Teflon, confirming its effectiveness as a lubricant under specific conditions. Ice becomes slippery when pressure is applied, generating a thin layer of water, which enhances its lubricating properties. Beyond skating rinks, ice has practical applications in various fields, including skiing, snowboarding, and even automotive finishes. The discussion highlights the unique characteristics of ice as a friction-reducing surface, particularly in cold environments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of coefficient of friction concepts
  • Knowledge of material properties, specifically ice and Teflon
  • Familiarity with lubrication mechanisms in cold environments
  • Basic physics principles related to pressure and temperature effects
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  • Research the properties of ice as a lubricant in cold weather applications
  • Explore the mechanics of Teflon and its industrial uses
  • Investigate the impact of pressure and temperature on friction coefficients
  • Learn about the design of ice-related sports equipment and their performance characteristics
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Engineers, material scientists, sports equipment designers, and anyone interested in the applications of ice and Teflon in reducing friction in various environments.

rollingstein
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I knew ice was slippery, but looking at a table of coefficents of friction today it seems that ice on ice yields a lower μs value than even teflon on teflon.

Is that really true? If so, does ice have much of an application as a lubricant or anti friction surface outside of skating rinks?

I was wondering...
 
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Ice is slippery when lubricated with water. Pressure is one way to produce it, the other one is temperature.
 
Application areas: Skis, snowboards, skates, bobsled, luge, iceboats, avalanches, snowblowers, icebreaker hulls, river-bridge foundations, roofing, automotive exterior finishes, etc all concern interfaces to (and within) ice and snow. Traditional Inuit dogsleds use a smooth coating of ice on the runners to reduce drag over both ice and snow.
 

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