Testing the coefficient of friction of materials. 5

[ryanmcarthy]

Hi,
Do you think it would be practical to DIY a test rig to calculate the coefficient of friction for certain materials? Mainly food packaging. (Foil bags).

For example if you clamped the foil material to a flat horizontal surface, sat a weight of 5Kg on top of it (metal block?), and used a dial force gauge to measure the force needed to move the weight, could you then calculate the coefficient of friction using the formula Mu = F/N?

Or any other pointers/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.



Thanks a lot

 

[TomDOT]

Ryan,

Since this is an informal test, I don't think you really need to buy that commercial incline tester.

About all you really need is a protractor to find the angle, a plane constructed of whatever surface your bags are sliding on, a few clamps and a handy post/pole/chairleg to attach one end of your slope.

Alternately, just a protractor, plane constructed of your surface and a big stack of books (varying thicknesses.)