Coulomb Friction Force
Coulomb Friction Force
\[F_f = \mu N\]
Variables
Ff = friction force (N)
mu = coefficient of kinetic friction
N = normal force (N)
Description
What is this formula?
The Coulomb friction equation calculates the friction force generated between two surfaces in relative motion. The friction force is proportional to the normal force acting between the surfaces.
When to use it
Use this formula when analyzing sliding objects, mechanical systems, braking systems, conveyors, or any engineering problem involving kinetic friction.
Example
A machine component slides on a surface with a normal force of 250 N and a kinetic friction coefficient of 0.35.
Data:
N = 250 N
mu = 0.35
Formula:
Ff = mu*N
Substitution:
Ff = 0.35*250
Result:
Ff = 87.5 N
Applications
Mechanical engineering, brake systems, industrial machinery, robotics, transportation systems, and physics education.
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