Dry, Rough and Lubricated Friction Apparatus (SMT-MM-98)
This apparatus is designed to study the principles of sliding friction under different surface conditions, allowing students to determine the coefficient of friction for various material pairs and analyze the effects of surface finish, lubrication, and applied load on frictional force. It provides a comparative analysis of dry, rough, and lubricated contact scenarios.
The unit consists of a main shaft equipped with three discs, each with a distinct surface finish—smooth, rough, and lubricated. A braking lever applies an adjustable normal load to these discs using interchangeable friction pads made of steel, brass, Teflon, and rubber. The effort required to rotate the shaft against this friction is measured via a pulley and weight system, enabling the calculation of frictional torque and the coefficient of friction for each test condition.
Its primary application is in mechanical engineering education for teaching tribology and machine design fundamentals. The key benefit is the hands-on investigation of how material properties, surface texture, and lubrication influence friction, enabling students to grasp practical concepts essential for designing bearings, brakes, and other mechanical components where controlled friction is critical.