What is the static COF for rubber on steel?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the static coefficient of friction (COF) for rubber on steel, particularly in the context of designing a combat robot. Participants seek data and insights on this topic, which appears to be less documented compared to rubber on other surfaces like concrete.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes difficulty in finding data for static COF for rubber on steel, mentioning that most references provide information for rubber on concrete.
  • Another participant provides a reference for a lubricated, sliding COF of 0.05 for rubber on steel.
  • A participant shares an assumed COF range of 0.9 to 1 for rubber go-kart wheels on steel, expressing surprise at the lack of specific data for combat robot standards.
  • One participant cites a website claiming a static friction coefficient of 0.7 for rubber on steel and suggests conducting personal experiments for further validation.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the 0.9 figure, indicating that 0.7 seems more plausible.
  • A participant highlights the variability in COF due to the different grades of rubber and steel, suggesting a wide range of possible values.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the static COF values, with some proposing values around 0.7 and others suggesting higher estimates. There is no consensus on a definitive value, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact COF for rubber on steel.

Contextual Notes

The discussion acknowledges the lack of specific data and the potential variability in COF based on material grades and finishes, which may affect the results.

Mech King
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Hello all,

im trying to find some data for the static COF for rubber on steel. I have been looking hard but can only find info for rubber on concrete and other non metals.

I am doing the initial sums for a combat robot I am designing, but want to get the figures sorted out before i spend any money.

Best Regards,

Mech King
 
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Can only find lubricated, sliding COF for those surfaces in my references. It's 0.05.
 
Hi brewnog, thanks for the reply.

Ye i's on of those combinations of materials that you would expectt here to be lots of info for the COF, but suprisingly not.

I have assumed a COF of about 0.9 to 1 for a rubber go kart wheel on a steel surface. I cannot find any exact grade of steel for the combat surface in the fighting robot standard.

Its always been one of those "suck it and see" areas for me (please excuse metaphor).

Cheers
 
Last edited:
This website here says Rubber on steel static friction coeff = 0.7

http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2005/steel.shtml

maybe this will help too. You may just want to make up your own experiment.
http://www.gordonengland.co.uk/sef/steel-rubber-friction-t-460.html
 
I'd believe 0.7 (0.9 sounds very optimistic).
 
Cheers for the responses guys, 0.7 sounds like the winner, i iwll have a closer look at these links aswell,

Thanks

Mech King
 
In addition, there are lots of different grades of rubber and lots of different grades and finishes of steel, so the COF will probably have a pretty wide range.
 

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