Intermittent contact in rolling friction

In summary, the conversation discusses the idea of creating a road with alternating smooth and rough surfaces to improve propulsion for vehicles. However, this idea presents many problems, such as the need for a limited-slip differential and the loss of energy due to friction and heat. Ultimately, this system would not be able to create more energy than it loses, making it impractical.
  • #1
hover guy
9
0
hey i had a bizarre thought, what if there is a road made with a very smooth friction less surface and a normal asphalt road, arranged alternatively, such that , half the time spend by the tire in one rotation is placed on the smooth side and the other half on the rough side, such that the tire completely slips on the smooth side,the vehicle is in linear motion which is generated by the rolling action of the wheels, my question is , will such system deliver the same amount of power for propulsion compared to a conventional tire road sys., becoz i think that when the wheel will spin on the smooth portion it will increase its angular momentum(due to slipping), and thus when it will hit the ground with friction, it will deliver more thrust, in less time, and it will slip(angular) and glide(linear) for the next part of the surface, is such system practically possible...?
 
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  • #2
I can see a lot of problems with that. Not the least of those is that without a limited-slip differential that car isn't going to move at all. Then there is the absolute hell that will be played with the steering and braking.
 
  • #3
You cannot create energy out of nothing. At best, the energy that you will recover from the wheel momentum will be exactly the same as the one you lost in traction on the slippery surface (and that was «converted» in momentum).

But because spinning will create friction that will create heat losses, you will never recover completely that lost energy (or power).
 

What is intermittent contact in rolling friction?

Intermittent contact in rolling friction refers to the phenomenon where two surfaces in contact experience periods of separation and reconnection as they roll against each other. This can occur due to variations in surface roughness or irregularities in the rolling path.

How does intermittent contact affect rolling friction?

Intermittent contact can cause fluctuations in the frictional force between two surfaces, leading to changes in the amount of energy dissipated during rolling. This can result in variations in the motion and stability of rolling objects.

What factors can influence the occurrence of intermittent contact in rolling friction?

The occurrence of intermittent contact in rolling friction can be influenced by several factors, including the surface roughness of the rolling objects, the load and speed of the rolling motion, and the angle of contact between the surfaces.

What are some real-world examples of intermittent contact in rolling friction?

One example of intermittent contact in rolling friction is the movement of a car tire on a rough road surface. The tire experiences periods of separation and reconnection with the road as it rolls, resulting in variations in the frictional force and the vehicle's motion.

Another example is the motion of a ball on a bumpy surface, such as a grass field. The ball can experience intermittent contact with the ground as it rolls, leading to changes in its speed and direction.

How can the effects of intermittent contact in rolling friction be minimized?

To minimize the effects of intermittent contact in rolling friction, surfaces can be designed to have smoother and more uniform textures, reducing the likelihood of irregularities and fluctuations in the frictional force. Additionally, controlling the load and speed of the rolling motion can help to reduce the occurrence of intermittent contact.

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