Is friction an efficient heat source?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using a motor designed to generate friction as a heat source, particularly in the context of creating a self-heating blanket without electricity. Participants explore the practicality, efficiency, and potential issues related to this concept.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a motor designed for maximum friction could be useful for heating purposes, while others express skepticism about its practicality.
  • Concerns are raised about wear and tear on friction surfaces and the challenge of effectively transferring heat to the desired area.
  • One participant suggests that friction can generate very high local temperatures, citing examples like melting synthetic fibers and metals through friction.
  • Another participant questions the method of spinning the motor without electricity, indicating a need for alternative energy sources.
  • One idea presented involves using a viscous liquid to mitigate wear issues associated with traditional kinetic friction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the potential for friction to generate heat but disagree on the practicality and efficiency of using it as a heat source in the proposed application. Multiple competing views remain regarding the feasibility of the concept.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include uncertainties about the efficiency of heat transfer from friction-generated heat, the durability of materials used, and the specifics of how to implement the motor without electricity.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in alternative heating methods, materials science, and the practical applications of friction in engineering may find this discussion relevant.

fignewtons
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Hi all, first post on PF!
I was just wondering if a motor that is specifically designed to generate the most friction possible would be useful for heating purposes. If it's just wishful thinking, feel free to say so and explain why.
Thanks!
 
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figNewtons said:
Hi all, first post on PF!
I was just wondering if a motor that is specifically designed to generate the most friction possible would be useful for heating purposes. If it's just wishful thinking, feel free to say so and explain why.
Thanks!

Welcome to the PF.

I would think that wear and tear on the friction surfaces would be an issue. Also getting the heat to whatever you want to heat up. What are your thoughts so far about those issues?
 
It would likely wear itself out quickly ... not a good idea
 
The object I want to make is a self heating blanket (no electricity either-probably using an alternate energy source). Ideally the heat source would all be inside the blanket layers and the motor well shielded from the soft layers through a material that's durable and resists wear and tear yet is still porous to heat. Well, I need to do more materials research...
Thanks for your insight though!
 
Last edited:
The practical problem would be spreading the heat from a local area to where you want it.

Friction can easily generate very high local temperatures, e.g. melting synthetic fiber ropes such as climbing ropes by rubbing against metal, or even melting metals like aluminum and titanium in metal-to-metal friction.
 
How would you spin the motor without electricity?
 
Friction is 100% efficient at producing heat, but it isn't necessarily an easy or practical thing to use, but there are ways to do it:

You could, for example, get a large pot of water or a more viscous liquid (honey?) and use a big beater to stir it. That would eliminate potential wear issues from normal kinetic friction.
 

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