Testing Methods for Solid Friction

This article describes the techniques for measuring friction, namely, inclined-plane method; friction test methods using weights and pulleys; friction tests of shafts and capstans; other types of friction tests, including standards; microscale friction tests; and friction testing under well-lubricated conditions. The procedural considerations that should be addressed to ensure that valid data are derived from a friction test are discussed. The article explains friction testing geometries, the major considerations implicit in their use as well as friction test parameters, such as speed and load. It also demonstrates how to report friction data and how these data can be entered into a database.