What Is the Coefficient of Kinetic Friction for Greasy Aluminum on Carbon?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the coefficient of kinetic friction for the interaction between greasy aluminum and carbon. Participants explore various factors influencing this coefficient, including the type of carbon, the condition of the aluminum, and the properties of the grease used as a lubricant. The conversation includes inquiries about the availability of reliable data and the complexities involved in measuring or estimating this coefficient.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests the coefficient of kinetic friction for greasy aluminum on carbon, noting difficulty in finding this information online.
  • Another participant suggests that the type of carbon (graphitic, amorphous, diamond) and the condition of the aluminum (anodized, hard, soft) could significantly affect the friction coefficient.
  • A different participant proposes a value of 0.15 +/- 0.03 for the coefficient, but this is met with skepticism regarding its precision.
  • Concerns are raised about the dependence of the friction coefficient on various factors, including the viscosity of the grease, temperature, pressure, and the age of the grease.
  • One participant emphasizes that the coefficient of friction is not a fixed value and can vary widely based on numerous conditions, referencing a specific SAE paper that discusses variability in friction measurements.
  • Another participant expresses the need for a source to substantiate the proposed value of 0.15, indicating that they require this for a project.
  • There is a suggestion that conducting personal testing may be necessary to obtain a reliable friction coefficient for specific setups.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the exact value of the coefficient of kinetic friction, with multiple competing views regarding its variability and the factors influencing it. The discussion remains unresolved regarding a definitive coefficient.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the coefficient of friction can be influenced by surface properties, roughness, lubrication conditions, and other variables, indicating that precise calculations or estimates may not be feasible without empirical testing.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and researchers involved in tribology, materials science, or engineering, particularly those exploring friction in lubricated systems.

nilsvoorkamp1
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I need the coefficient of kinetic friction for movement between greasy aluminium on carbon.
It's nowhere to be found on the internet.

Thanks in advance!
 
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nilsvoorkamp1 said:
Summary:: I need the coefficient of kinetic friction for movement between greasy aluminium on carbon.
It's nowhere to be found on the internet.

Thanks in advance!

on carbon.
Graphitic? Amorphous? Diamond?
nilsvoorkamp1 said:
Summary:: I need the coefficient of kinetic friction for movement between greasy aluminium on carbon.
It's nowhere to be found on the internet.

Thanks in advance!

greasy aluminium
Anodized? Hard? Soft?
 
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nilsvoorkamp1 said:
Summary:: I need the coefficient of kinetic friction for movement between greasy aluminium on carbon.
It's nowhere to be found on the internet.

Thanks in advance!

I need the coefficient of kinetic friction for movement between greasy aluminium on carbon.
It's nowhere to be found on the internet.

Thanks in advance!
You could also try to measure it yourself.
 
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nilsvoorkamp1 said:
I need the coefficient of kinetic friction for movement between greasy aluminium on carbon.
0.15 +/- 0.03

You're welcome. :smile:
 
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berkeman said:
0.15 +/- 0.03

You're welcome. :smile:
Thanks for your reply!
Do you have the source of where you find this number?
 
Bystander said:
Graphitic? Amorphous? Diamond?

Anodized? Hard? Soft?
hard
 
nilsvoorkamp1 said:
Summary:: I need the coefficient of kinetic friction for movement between greasy aluminium on carbon.
It's nowhere to be found on the internet.

Thanks in advance!

I need the coefficient of kinetic friction for movement between greasy aluminium on carbon.
It's nowhere to be found on the internet.

Thanks in advance!

Greasy? As in lubrication? Your answer is going to be more about the grease than the aluminum and carbon. Although the texture of the aluminum and carbon will have effects on the grease, the coefficient of friction will depend on the viscosity of the grease which will in turn depend on the temperature and pressure (and of course the make up) of the grease. Heck, it will depend on how old the grease is and how long it has been working. This information will be measured. It can’t reasonably be calculated. The only place you will find published tables for the measured behavior of a lubricating grease will be from the manufacturer of the grease.

As an example, here is a paper turned up in a quick internet search that highlights the complexity of the behavior of the coefficient of friction of lubricating grease.

https://res.mdpi.com/d_attachment/l...-00042/article_deploy/lubricants-05-00042.pdf
 
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berkeman said:
0.15 +/- 0.03

You're welcome. :smile:
I suspect it's more like 0.15+/- 0.5, depending on the details of the grease and the surfaces. I don't think you can nail it down nearly that precisely without more information.
 
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cjl said:
I suspect it's more like 0.15+/- 0.5, depending on the details of the grease and the surfaces. I don't think you can nail it down nearly that precisely without more information.
Do you have a source for that?
 
  • #10
There is no such thing as an exact coefficient of friction between two materials. The friction is a function of the materials, their surface properties, surface roughness, surface topology, speed, load, lubricant properties, amount of lubricant, entrance conditions (is the leading edge sharp or upturned like a ski?), and more. Some search terms are Stribeck curve, tribology, friction, and coefficient of friction.

There is an SAE paper, 950698, titled Variation of Friction in a Strip Test Apparatus with Controllable Drawbead Penetration, that goes into the reasons why the friction coefficient changed (for example) from 0.15 to 0.075 and back to 0.15 during a single test. It was not due to the Stribeck curve. And it was repeatable with different materials, lubricants, and test conditions.

If you need a reasonably accurate friction coefficient, you will need to do your own testing.
 
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  • #11
nilsvoorkamp1 said:
Do you have a source for that?
No, but I don't think I need a source for saying that the friction coefficient can vary widely depending on the details of the grease, surfaces, etc.
 
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  • #12
cjl said:
No, but I don't think I need a source for saying that the friction coefficient can vary widely depending on the details of the grease, surfaces, etc.
I'm talking about the value 0.15. I understand the number is not exact but that's ok. So i just want to put it in my project but I can't do that without showing where I got it form besides an internet forum.
 
  • #13
My point with that statement is that 0.15 isn't a number that you should use. It could be off by a factor of 2 or 3 (or more). You really need to test your setup to figure out what the number should be.
 
  • #14
nilsvoorkamp1 said:
So i just want to put it in my project but I can't do that without showing where I got it form besides an internet forum.
Is this for schoolwork?
 
  • #15
Thread closed temporarily for Moderation...
 

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