Lab Session.

no 3

Mechanics of Machines

EXPERIMENT: - 02
To find out the coefficient of kinetic friction of various
pairs of metallic wheel.
Objective:

We have to determine the coefficient of kinetic friction of different pairs of

wheels using coefficient of friction apparatus.
We have to calculate the time for oscillation
We have to calculate the % error.

Apparatus:

Co-efficient of friction apparatus

Stop watch
Steel rods

Theory:
Friction is a resistive force against the motion between two surfaces,
fluid layers and material element sliding against each other. Types of friction w.r.t.
body surface are given below.

Dry friction resists relative surface motion of two solid surfaces in contact.
Dry friction is subdivided into two types of friction.

Static friction is friction between non-moving surfaces or the surface which

are relatively at rest.

Kinetic friction is friction between two relatively moving surfaces.

Fluid friction is the friction between layers of a fluid that are moving relative
to each other.

Lubricated friction is a case of fluid friction where a fluid separates two

solid surfaces.

Skin friction is the friction force resisting the motion of a fluid across the
surface of a body.

Internal friction is the force resisting motion between the elements making
up a solid material while it undergoes deformation.

Rolling friction is the force that resists the rolling of a wheel or other
circular object along a surface caused by deformations in the object and/or surface.

Lab Session.no 3

Mechanics of Machines

Generally, the force of rolling resistance is less than that associated with kinetic
friction. Typical values for the coefficient of rolling resistance are 0.001. One of the
most common examples of rolling resistance is the movement of motor vehicle tires
on a road, a process which generates heat and sound as by-products.
When surfaces in contact move relative to each other, the friction between the two
surfaces converts kinetic energy into heat. This heat can produce sparks. Another
withdraw of is wear of tools & machines. Kinetic energy is converted to heat
whenever motion with friction occurs, for example when a viscous fluid is stirred.

Friction Wheel:

Friction wheels
Applications of Friction Wheel:

It gives the Mechanical Force to produce motion of the Train when the Friction
wheel pressed against the rail.

Lab Session.no 3

Mechanics of Machines

It is also used to connect the Tires of Roller Coaster to control the speed of
train.

Advantages of Friction wheels:

It transmits exact Velocity Ratio.

It may be used to transmit Large Power.

It has High Efficiency.

It may be used for small center distances of shafts.

It has reliable Service.

It has a compact Layout structure.

Disadvantages of Friction wheels:

Its manufacturing requires special tools & equipment.

The error in cutting teeth may cause vibrations & noise during its operation.

It requires suitable lubricant & reliable method of applying it, for the proper
operation of gear drives.

Derivation:
Let
S = Distance between the pulley center.
T = Time for 10 oscillations of the bar.
= Kinetic coefficient of friction.
R1 and R2 are Normal Reactions
F1 and F2 are corresponding Forces of Friction.

Lab Session.no 3

Mechanics of Machines

Applying conditions of equilibrium:

Fx = 0
Fy = 0

R1 + R 2 = W

M = 0
MA = 0

R2S = W ( 2

+x R =
2

W
S
+x
(
S
2

MB = 0

R1S = W ( 2

R1 =

W
S
x
S ( 2

As F1 = R1

W
S
x
(
S
2

F1 =
Also,

F2 = R2
F2 =

W
S
+x
(
S
2

F=F1F 2=

W
S
S
W
x x =2 x
S ( 2
2
S

This equation shows that force along the bar is proportional to the displacement and
in opposite direction to increase the displacement therefore, motion is SHM (simple
harmonic motion).
For SHM:

F=ma
Or

W =mg

Lab Session.no 3

a=

F
m

2 x
a=

a=

Mechanics of Machines

W
s

W
g
2 xg
S

The period of simple harmonic motion is:

T =2

T 2 =4 2

displacement
acceleration

x
2 xg
S

s
2 g

s
2 2 S
=
2 g
g

2 2 S
T2g

Procedure:
1. Rub the bar with sand paper, so that there will be no grease, oil or any other
impurity on it.
2. Then place the bar over the pulleys of same material and rotate the gears in
clockwise direction.
3. Take the time for 10 oscillations of the bar over the pulleys three times.
4. Now change the pulleys by the pulleys of some other material and perform
the same steps to take the oscillations of the bar.

Observations & calculations:

S = 19.2cm = 0.192m

N
o
of
ob
s.

Mater
ial of
the
rod

Mater
ial of
the
pulley

Time for 10
oscillations

Time
for
one
oscilla
tion

Coefficient
of
friction
experim

Coefficien
t of
friction
theoret

%a
ge
err
or

Lab Session.no 3

Mechanics of Machines

ental

1)
2)

Steel

3)

Cast
iron
Brass
Alumin
um
Steel

4)

T1

T2

T3

Tavg.

(se

(se

(se

(sec)

c)

c)

c)

1
2
1
6
1
3
1
7

1
0
1
7
1
6
1
5

1
3
1
5
1
4
1
8

exp=

2 2 S
T2g

ical
thr

11.
66
16

1.166

0.28386

0.3

1.600

0.15075

0.16

14.
33
16.
67

1.433

0.18794

0.2

1.667

0.13888

0.14

94.3
3
93.7
5
93.5
98.5
7

Results & Comments:

Simple harmonic motion is performed in this mechanism which describes that

force along the bar is proportional to the displacement but in opposite
direction.
Through this experiment we can find the friction of pulleys of different
materials.
By the application of friction in pulleys we can tell about the grip of the
pulleys and the power transmission of pulleys.
This experiment gives us an idea of selecting appropriate materials of pulleys
to get required grip and power transmission.
Results are not more accurate due to faulty apparatus.