Civil Engineering MCQAE Level Civil Engineering

The limiting friction (maximum static friction) between two surfaces is:

Engineering MechanicsCoulomb Limiting FrictionMEDIUM

Choose the correct answer

A

Equal to the normal force N

B

Equal to mu_s x N (coefficient of static friction x normal force), independent of contact area

C

Equal to mu_k x N (kinetic friction)

D

Zero if surfaces are smooth

Correct Answer

B. Equal to mu_s x N (coefficient of static friction x normal force), independent of contact area

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Coulomb friction laws: (1) Limiting static friction F_max = mu_s x N; (2) Kinetic (sliding) friction F_k = mu_k x N < F_max; (3) F independent of contact area; (4) F_k independent of velocity. mu_s > mu_k. Angle of friction phi = arctan(mu). If applied force < F_max: no sliding; at F_max: impending motion; beyond: kinetic friction only.

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