CHAPTER 6

FRICTION

6.1 INTRODUCTION
 Much time and energy has been spent reducing unwanted friction in machines and
engines. The understanding and use of friction are important in our everyday
activities. The basic friction laws for dry surfaces will be considered.

6.2 FRICTION LAWS FOR DRY SURFACES ON HORIZONTAL PLANE

 Consider the case of block [Figure 6.1(a)]on a horizontal surface which is have
their selfweight,W with normal force, N and no applied load, P. In this condition,
the block is not being pushed by P.

W
W
Dry surface P

N F
N
(a) (b)

Figure 6.1

• In Figure 6.1(a), using Equation of Equilibrium of ΣFy, we have N-W and there
are no force of friction occurred, F = 0.

• In Figure 6.1(b), when applied load,P pushed the block, the block has impending
motion to the right and F acted as a reacting force, simply matches the applied
force P. When P gradually increases until the block is on the verge of sliding, F
can be to maximum value, Fmax but the block is still in equilibrium. Now, F is
known as static friction force, Fs.

• When the block is start moving, F will reduced fastly because of the momentum
influences. Now, F is known as kinetic friction force, Fk.

• We can say that Fk is less than Fs. As the conclusion Fs is the static friction forces,
where there is impending motion while Fk is the kinetic friction forces where the
surfaces are moving to each other. And since both static and kinetic friction forces
exist, there are also static and kinetic coefficients of friction, μs and μk.

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 Fs = μs N Fk = μk N
Angle of friction

W W
P P

N F N Fs

Φ
R Φs
R

(a) (b)

Figure 6.2

 From F and N, there can be find the resultant,R. The angle,Φ is exist between R
against N to the surface of the block. It can be referred to Figure 6.2(a). When P is
increase gradually will make F increases, and angle, Φ will be increased. Now,
the angle is known as angle of static friction, Φs as shown in Figure 6.2(b).

tan Φs =Fs /N = μs N / N = μs

Φs = tan-1μs

• Referring to Figure 6.3(a), when the block is start moving, the angle now is
known as angle of kinetic friction, Φk.
W W
P P

F Fk
N N
R
Φ Φk R
(a) (b)
Figure 6.3

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 tan Φk =Fk /N = μk N / N = μk

Φk = tan-1μk

• CONCLUSION OF FRICTION LAWS FOR DRY SURFACES;

a) Horizontal surface
i) the block is not moving(no friction)
W
P N can be determined using ΣFx = 0
and ΣFy = 0,

N = W, F=P, F< Fs,the equation of

N F Fs can not be used to determine the
friction since the friction forces not
R achieved the maximum value.
Φ

ii) the block is in the verge of impending motion

W
P N can be determined using ΣFx =0
and ΣFy = 0, N = W

When the block is in the verge of

N Fs impending motion, the friction force

achieved the maximum value.
Φs
R
Fs =P, F = Fs,
F = μs N = μs (W)
iii) the block is moving
W
P
N can be determined using ΣFy = 0,
N=W

F=P, Fk = μk N
N Fk
F = Fk, F = μk N= μk (W)
Φk R

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 iv) the block is sliding/overtuning

W a When P is increased (P > Fk) until it

make the block sliding/overtuning at
P point B. Moment at B = zero.

h B + ΣMB =P(h)-W(a)
Fk
Total moment at B is +ve = the block is
not sliding/overturning.
N
Total moment at B is -ve = the block is
Φk sliding/overtuning.

EXAMPLE 6.1
The 70N force shown in figure causes impending motion to the right. The block is not
moving due to this force. Determine the static coefficient of friction, μs. Given the mass
of block is 40kg.

70N

Solution;
Draw the free body diagram of block.
W
W = mg = 40(9.81) = 392.4N
W=N
70N
F 70
s    0.18
N 392.4
N Fs

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EXAMPLE 6.2
The mass of block is 20000 kg is subjected to the applied load as shown in figure.
Determine the friction force if μs = 0.5.

80kN

Ө=20º

Solution;
Draw the free diagram of block.
80 sin 20º =27.4kN
W=mg
=20000(9.81) 80kN
=190.62kN
Ө=20º
80 cos 20º =75.2kN
F
N

Assume the block has impending motion to the right. The friction force is acted opposite
to the impending motion. Using the Equation of Equilibrium ΣFx =0 and ΣFy = 0, solve
the problem.
ΣFy ↑=ΣFy↓
27.4 + N = 190.62
N = 163.22 kN
 
Fx  Fx
75.2 kN= F

The friction force, Fs = μs N = 0.5(163.22) = 81.61kN. The value of Fs then compare to

the F. Show that F < Fs. The block is not moving yet. The equation of Fs can not be used
to determine the friction since the friction forces not achieved the maximum value.

The friction force is F = 75.2kN.

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EXERCISE 6.1
The mass of block is 50kg is subjected to the applied load, P as shown in figure. Given
μs = 0.4, determine the magnitude of P if;
a) the block is in the verge of impending motion
b) the block is closely to slide

P 200mm

θ=30º

300mm

[Ans: a) P = 250N, b) P = 307N]

EXAMPLE 6.3
The two blocks as shown in the figure is subjected to applied load, P. But the applied
load is acted only at Block A. Given the weight of block A is 50N meanwhile the weight
of block B is 70N. The static coefficients of friction, μs between the block A and B is 0.4
and between the block B and dry floor is 0.5. Determine the magnitude of P to ensure the
block is started to move.
y
P
30º x
A

Solution;
Draw the free diagram of two blocks.
Block A;

P sin 30º = 0.5P

50N Block A;
P ΣFy ↑=ΣFy↓
N1 = 50 + 0.5P
Fs = μs N = 0.4(50 + 0.5P)
F1 = 20 + 0.2P ….(1)
P cos 30º = 0.866P  
N1 Fx  Fx
0.866P= F1 ……(2)

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When the block is in the verge of impending motion, F = Fs, as mentioned in the section
4.2. Fs = 20 + 0.2P …….(1)
0.866P = F1 ……(2) , F1 = Fs

substitute (1) into (2);

0.866P = 20 + 0.2P
0.666P = 20
P = 30N

Block B;
It is not necessary to draw free diagram of Block B because the magnitude of P cannot be
determined since the applied load,P is only acted on the block A.

EXERCISE 6.2
The mass of block A is 50kg lied on the block B. Given the mass of block B is 100kg.
Block A is tied to the wall with the rope. If the coefficients of friction between block A
and block B are μs =0.3 and μk =0.25 and the coefficients of friction between block B and
dry surface are μs =0.35 and μk =0.3. Determine the minimum of applied load, P if block
B is in the verge of impending motion.

A=50kg

P B=100kg

[Ans: P = 662.2N]

6.3 FRICTION LAWS FOR DRY SURFACES ON AN INCLINED PLANE

i) the block is not moving(no friction)

W cos θ N can be determined using ΣFx = 0, F =

W sin θ W sin θ and ΣFy = 0, N = W cos θ.

The block tends to move down on the

inclined plane. The friction force acted
in the opposite direction.

F< Fs

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ii) the block is in the verge of impending motion

W cos θ
W sin θ N can be determined using ΣFx = 0, F =
W sin θ and ΣFy = 0, N = W cos θ.

F = Fs, F = μs N

iii) the block is moving

W cos θ
W sin θ
N can be determined using ΣFy = 0,
N = W cos θ.

Fk = μk N

Fk = μk N= μk W cos θ

iv) the block is sliding/overtuning

W cos θ
W sin θ When P is increased (P > Fk) until it
make the block sliding/overtuning at
point A.

+ ΣMA = - W sin θ(h) + W cos θ(a)

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EXAMPLE 6.4
A 100N force acts as shown on a 300N block placed on an inclined plane. The
coefficients of friction between the block and plane are μs = 0.25 and μk =0.2. Determine
whether the block is in equilibrium and find the value of the friction force.

300N
100N

3
4

Solution;
Draw the free body diagram of block on an inclined plane.
Assuming F is directed down and to the left.

= W cos θ W
= 300 cos 36.87 θ = W sin θ
= 240N = 300 sin 36.87 =180N

100N
F

tan θ = ¾ = 36.87º N

ΣFy ↑=ΣFy↓
N= 240N
Fs = μs N = 0.25(240) = 60N
 
Fx  Fx
100 = 180 + F
F = -80N (the friction force is acted opposite direction, thus directed up and to the right)
F = 80N ( )

F > Fs , 80N > 60N, the block is moving down due to this condition. Use μk to determine
the actual friction force.

The block is not in equilibrium condition.

The friction force; Fk = μk N = 0.2(240) = 48N

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NOTES:

In solving problems involving dry friction, there are some tips;

1) The first step is to draw a free body diagram of the body, labeling and directing
all forces involved at each surface of contact.

2) The resultant, R exerted by a surface on a free body can be resolved into a normal
component N and a tangential component F. F known as a friction force. When a
body is in contact with a fixed surface, the direction of the friction force, F is
opposite to that of the actual or impending motion or applied load of the body.

3) No motion will occur as long as F does not exceed the maximum value of
Fs = μs N where μs is the coefficient of static friction.

3) Motion will occur if a value of F larger than Fs is required to maintain

equilibrium. As motion takes place, the actual force drops to Fk = μk N where μk is
the coefficient of kinetic friction.

EXERCISE 6.3
Knowing that mass of block B is 100kg and θ= 30º. Given μs= 0.3 and μk= 0.25,
determine the friction force if m = 2kg and 5kg.

100kg

200N

m kg

θ= 30º

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EXAMPLE 6.5
The figure below consists 3 blocks. The coefficient of friction between block A and B is
μs = 0.3, μk = 0.2 and between block B and block C is μs= 0.4, μk = 0.3. Determine the
force of friction for every block. Assume that there are no dry surfaces between the
blocks.

B C
A 30kg
40kg
50kg

20º

Solution;
Consider the highest location, Block C;
W = mg cos 20º ΣFy ↑=ΣFy↓
= 30(9.81) cos 20 θ =20º W = mg sin 20º Nc = 276.6 N
=276.6N = 30(9.81) sin 20 Fs = μs N = 0.4(276.6) = 110.64N
=100.7N
 
Fx  Fx
F F = 100.7N

Nc The value of Fs then compare to the

F. Show that F < Fs. The block is not
moving yet. The friction force is F =
100.7N.

Block B;
ΣFy ↑=ΣFy↓
W = mg cos 20º NB = 368.7 N
= 40(9.81) cos 20 θ =20º W = mg sin 20º
= 40(9.81) sin 20 Fs = μs N = 0.3(368.7) = 110.61N
= 368.7N
= 134.2N  
Fx  Fx
F = 134.2N
F
The value of Fs then compare to the
NB F. Show that F > Fs. The block is
started to move. The friction force is
Fk = μk N = 0.2(368.7)=73.74N

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Block C;
ΣFy ↑=ΣFy↓
W = mg cos 20º NA = 461 N
= 50(9.81) cos 20 θ =20º W = mg sin 20º
= 50(9.81) sin 20 Fs = μs N = 0.3(461) = 138.3N
= 461N
= 167.76N  
Fx  Fx
F = 167.76N
F
The value of Fs then compare to the
NA F. Show that F > Fs. The block is
started to move. The friction force is
Fk = μk N = 0.2(461) =92.2N.

EXAMPLE 6.6
The static coefficient of friction,μs is 0.4 between the point A and rough surfaces
meanwhile there are no friction occurred between point B and contact surfaces. Identify
whether the wood is in equilibrium or not. Assume the weight of wood acts at the centre
of A-B.

B
100kg

4m

θ =80º
A

θ =45º

Solution;

The piece of wood tends to slide or overturn at point A. The friction of force and
coefficient of friction occurred at point A due to the dry surfaces between the wood and
contact surfaces. But there are no friction force and coefficient at point B due to the
smooth surfaces between the wood and contact surfaces.

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Draw the free body diagram of wood.
B
W=mg=100(9.81)=981N
θ =10º
NB cos 10º 2m
NB 4m B
W
θ =80º NB sin 10º 2m
A
sin 45  OB O C A
FA 4
θ =45º
NA cos 45  OA , cos 45  CA
4 2

ΣFy ↑=ΣFy↓ θB
NA + NB sin 10º= 981 ……..(1)
θB = θ A
 
Fx  Fx
NB cos 10º = FA ………….(2) θ =80º

θA

As mentioned above the wood tends to slide/overturn at point A. Take a moment at

point A.

+ ΣMA = NB cos 10º(4 sin 45º) + NB sin 10º(4 cos 45º)-981(2 cos 45º)
= 2.8NB + 0.49NB – 1387.34
3.29NB = 1387.34
NB = 421.68N

Substitute NB into (1) and (2);

NA + NB sin 10 = 981 ……..(1)
NA + (421.68) sin10 = 981
NA = 981 – 73.22
= 907.78N

NB cos 10 = FA ………….(2)
(421.68) cos 10 = FA
FA = 415.27N

The coefficient of friction occurred at point A which is involved only NA= 907.78N
Fs = μs N = 0.4(907.78) = 363.11N

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F > Fs , 415.27N > 363.11N, the wood is slide down due to this condition. The wood is
not balance anymore due to this condition.
TUTORIAL 6

6.1 The mass of block is 20kg located on the block with the mass of 30kg. The block
of 20kg is tied to the wall with the cable. If the coefficients of friction are μs =0.4 and μk
=0.3 between all surfaces contact. Determine the applied load, P if block of 30kg is in the
verge of impending motion.

6.2 The block of 50kg with m = 30kg is in the verge of moving with the slope θ= 20º.
Determine the new value of m if the mass of block is increased more to 20kg.

Smooth pulley

[Ans: m = 41.96kg]

6.3 A force of P acts as shown on a 200kg block placed on an inclined plane. The
static coefficients of friction between the block and plane are μs = 0.5. Determine the
force of P to ensure the block is in the verge to move down.

[Ans: F = Fs, P = 560.4N]

40
6.4 The block with the mass of 100kg located on an inclined plane as shown in figure.
If B is in the equilibrium determine whether the block is balance or not. Determine the
friction force between the block and contact surface and determine the direction of
friction force. Given μs = 0.3 and μk =0.2.
Smooth pulley

[Ans: F = 184.4N]

6.5 Determine the minimum P to ensure the block is in the verge to move up. Given
μs = 0.2.

Smooth pulley

[Ans: F = Fs, P = 7330.6N]

6.6 Determine force P with μs = 0.25 between the block of 200kg and contact
surfaces.

[Ans: F = Fs, P = 735.7N]

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6.7 Determine the value of P with weight of block 52N and μs = 0.25.

6.8 The block shown in figure has a mass of 34.7kg. Determine the horizontal force
impending motion down the plane.

6.9 The weight of block is 265N located on an inclined plane with α = 20º and
μs = 0.3. Determine the magnitude of P to ensure the block is in the verge to move up on
an inclined plane.
P

30º

[Ans: P = 162N]
α

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6.10 A 150kg piece of wood is placed between horizontal and vertical surface area as
shown in figure. The coefficient friction(μs) of gross area are between A and horizontal
surface is 0.4. Whereas surface area between end B and inclined surface are smooth
surface. Determine whether the piece of wood is in equilibrium or not. Assume mass of
wood acts in the middle of the length.

B
150kg

Smooth surface 4.2m

area
θ =80º
A

θ =45º Gross surface area

43