Experimental Investigations on Rubber Friction Coefficient Dependence on Visco-Elastic Characteristics, Track Roughness, Contact Force, and Slide Velocity

The results of an experimental activity, carried out using a prototype of pin on disk machine and aimed at investigating the frictional behavior of visco-elastic materials in sliding contact with rigid asperities, are presented. The pin is a rubber specimen coming from three different passenger automotive tires, while the disk is covered with glass, marble, or 3M anti-slip tape surfaces. Tests, performed both in dry and wet conditions, highlighted that the friction coefficient is strongly influenced by the effect that surface roughness plays on friction mechanisms of adhesion and hysteresis. The results confirmed the theoretical dependence of friction on vertical load, sliding velocity, rubber characteristics, and track conditions.