Application of Friction in Machine Elements:

Wedges – are simple machines used to raise large stone blocks and other
heavy loads.

Because of the friction existing between the surfaces in contact, a wedge if

properly shaped, will remain in place after being forced under the load.
Sample Problem:

1. Determine the force P required to start the wedge shown in the figure.
The angle of friction for all surfaces in contact is 15o.

Solution:

FBD:
Block Wedge
Considering FBD of the Block:

ΣFv = 0
R1 Cos 15o = R2 Sin 15o + 200
R1 = 0.2679 R2 + 207.06

ΣFH = 0
R2 Cos 15o = R1 Sin 15o + 50
R2 Cos 15o = (0.2679 R2 + 207.06)Sin 15o + 50
0.9659 R2 = 0.0693 R2 + 53.59 + 50
0.8966 R2 = 103.59
R2 = 115.54 KN

Considering the FBD of the Wedge:

ΣFH = 0
R3 Cos 30o = R2 Cos 15o
R3 Cos 30o = (115.54) Cos 15o
R3 = 128.87 KN

ΣFv = 0
P = R2 Sin 15o + R3 Sin 30o
P = (115.54)Sin 15o + (128.87)Sin 30o
P = 29.90 + 64.44
P = 94.34 KN

2. In the figure shown, determine the minimum weight of block B that will
keep it at rest while a force P starts blocks A up the incline surface of B.
The weight of A is 100 lb and the angle of friction for all surfaces in contact
is 15o.
FBD:

Block A Block B

Solution:

Considering FBD of block A:

ΣFv = 0
R1 Cos 45o = 100
R1 = 141.42 lbs

Considering FBD of block B:

ΣFH = 0
R1 Sin 45o = R2 Sin 15o
(141.42) Sin 45o = R2 Sin 15o
R2 = 386.37 lbs

ΣFv = 0
WB + R1 Cos 45o = R2 Cos 15o
WB +(141.42) Cos 45o = (386.37) Cos 15o
WB = 273.21 lbs
Square-threaded Screws
- are frequently used in jacks, presses, and other mechanisms.
- It is essentially an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder.
- There analysis is similar to that of a block sliding along an inclined plane.
- used for fastening and for transmitting power or motion.
- Friction developed in the threads largely determines the action of the
screw.

L = Lead of the screw

= the distance that a nut will advance along the screw in one revolution.
= pitch for single threaded screw, 2xPitch for double threaded screw
= mp, where m denotes the multiplicity of threading.
Pitch = axial distance between adjacent threads on a helix or screw.
r = mean radius
ɑ = Helix angle

M = Wr tan(ɑ + Ф)

M = Torque required to turn the screw

W = load
ɑ = pitch angle
Ф = angle of friction
r = mean radius.
The plus sign is used when W resists the torque;
The minus sign, when W aids the torque.

Helix angle ɑ can be determined by unwrapping the thread of the screw for
one complete turn

ɑ = tan-1 (L/2��)

To raise load:

P = M/r
From Equilibrium:
M = Wr tan(ɑ + Ф)

If M is removed: the screw will remain in place and be self-locking provided

ɑ<Ф
and will be on the verge of unwinding if ɑ=Ф.

To lower load:

To lower the load by unwinding the screw, we must reverse the direction of
M as long as ɑ<Ф

M = Wr tan(Ф - ɑ) This is the moment required to unwind the screw.

If ɑ>Ф, the screw will unwind by itself. Moment required to prevent
unwinding:
From Equilibrium:
M = Wr tan(ɑ - Ф)

Sample Problem:
A clamp is used to hold two pieces of wood together as shown. The clamp
has a double square thread of mean diameter equal to 10mm and with a
pitch of 2 mm. The coefficient of friction between threads is µ = 0.30. If a
maximum torque of 40 N.m is applied in tightening the clamp, determine
a) the force exerted on the pieces of wood.
b) the torque required to loosen the clamp.

Solution:
a)Force exerted by the clamp
tan ɑ = L/2�� = 2(2mm)/2(�)(5mm) = 4 mm/ 10� mm = 0.1273
ɑ = 7.3o (lead angle)

tan Ф = µ = 0.30
Ф = 16.7o (angle of friction)

P = Q = M/r
Q = 40 N.m/ .005m = 8000 N = 8 KN.
M = Wr tan(ɑ + Ф)
M = W tan(ɑ + Ф)
r
Q = W tan(ɑ + Ф)
W= Q_____
tan(ɑ + Ф)
W= 8______
tan(7.3 +16.7o)
o

= 8______
tan24o
W = 17.97 KN

b. Torque required to loosen Clamp

Q = W tan(Ф - ɑ)
= (17.97)tan(16.7o - 7.3o)
= (17.97)tan(9.4o)
Q = 2.975 KN

Torque = Qr
= 2.975(.005)
Torque = 0.01487 KN.m or 14.87 N.m
Belt Friction
This refers to the friction forces between a belt and a surface.
Impending slippage of flexible cables, belts, ropes, over sheaves, wheels,
drums.

Consider a drum subjected to two belt tensions

M - torque necessary to prevent rotation of the drum
R - bearing reaction
r - radius of the drum
β - total contact angle belt and surface, β is in radians
T2 > T1 since M is clockwise (T1 and T2 refers to the belt tensions)

Equations to remember:

T1 = eµβ
T2

lnT1 = µβ
T2

Rope wrapped around a drum n times

β = 2�n radians
Sample Problem:
1. A rope wrapped twice around a post will support a weight of 4000 KN
when a force of 50 KN is exerted at the other end. Determine the coefficient
of friction.

Solution:

No. of turns (n) = 2

β = 2�n = 2� (2) = 4� radians

µβ = lnT1 = 4000
T2 50
µβ = 4.38

µ = 4.38
4�

µ = 0.349

2. A rope making 1 1/4 turns around a stationary horizontal drum is used to

support a heavy weight. If the coefficient of friction is 0.40, what weight can
be supported by exerting a 50 KN force at the other end of the rope.

No. of turns (n) = 1 1/4

β = 2�n = 2� (5/4) = 2.5� radians

T1 = eµβ
T2

T1 = e0.40β
50

T1 = 50 (23.14)
T1 = 11.57 KN