Assessment Cover Sheet

Assessment Title: Lab-1 Friction (Horizontal and Inclined plane)

Programme Title: Bachelor of Engineering Technology

Course No.: EN6903

Course Title: Mechanical Fundamentals

Student Name: Mohamed Isa Haider

Student ID: 201902659

Tutor: Lakshmi Narayana Gollapudi

Due Date: 31st OCTOBER, 2019 (THURSDAY) Date submitted: 31st OCTOBER, 2019 (THURSDAY)
By submitting this assessment for marking, either electronically or as hard copy, I confirm the
following:

 This assignment is my own work

 Any information used has been properly referenced.
 I understand that a copy of my work may be used for moderation.
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Mechanical Fundamentals
Lab-1 (horizontal and inclined plane)
Mohamed Haider
2019/2020 Semester 1
CONTENTS

Cover page 1

Synopsis 4

Introduction 5

Theory 6

Apparatus 9

Methods 11

Results 12

Comments 16

Conclusions 17

Appendix 18

Bibliography 20
Synopsis:

This experiment was carried out to prove the existence of friction and to measure its
coefficient on a range of different materials and evaluate the differences in calculations
of the coefficient on horizontal planes and inclined planes based on the materials used;
nonetheless the experiment main purpose is to verify Newton Three Laws of Motion
and conditions of equilibrium validity.

The experiment was conducted by using the free body diagram and conditions of
equilibrium at starters to support the results, but mainly the experiment was
approached by applying force, adjusting the inclination and sharp observation.

To summarize the experiment, results were varied as the coefficient of friction between
the acrylic and steel was pretty accurate and the result ended with 5% deviation than
expected. However, on the other hand 70% deviation was conducted on the result of
the coefficient of friction between the aluminum and steel, a result that was little bit far
than expected due to errors in the experiment, but errors occur especially when the
environment does not include a controlled atmosphere and humidity play it role on
effecting to collected data, also when the equipment are not sufficient enough to
calculate an accurate results, such as not the lack of 5 and 1 grams scale on the loadings,
the string was highly plucked, and the loading mechanism was hard and needed a lot of
focus, other factors played a rule in these errors, things like pressure and time but you
will be surprised of what did not make a difference in the experiment, things like the
contact area and the speed of the motion. At the end, the experiment did not come
with the expected results in some cases like, the aluminum and steel case but the result
were close to each other there had to be something effecting the experiment in which
made us conclude the validity of the theory predication at the end.
INTRODUCTION:
Friction is considered to be a resistance force even though it is a non fundamental
force such as electromagnetism or gravity yet it is believed that it is caused by
two touching surfaces creating an electromagnetic attraction between the
charged particles. Friction has two main types, kinetic friction which acts between
two surfaces in motion, and static friction which operates between objects that
are not in motion relative to each other. Friction could be found in various places
like fluids also known as viscous, where viscous fluids has a resistance between
the moving layers, even also in atoms and basically everywhere in nature which
makes friction an essential part in life, and for engineers without friction there is
no traction and control thus they cannot design safe roads, cars, tires and brakes
not even a copy machine, also without understanding it they are unable to reduce
the friction force between the mechanical parts or convert its energy. To
understand friction experiments are required determine the coefficient of friction
not to mention that interaction are complicated and laws and equation alone are
not enough.

In this experiment the objective is to measure the coefficient of friction of a range

of materials on both horizontal Planes and Inclined Planes.
Theory:
 Horizontal Plane:

The underlying theory is to apply Newton Three Laws of Motion and using the conditions of
equilibrium to measure the coefficient of friction. To find all forces applied on an object a free
body diagram is drown, for example a slider resting on a horizontal plane, the slider weighs W
with a normal reaction force N. The force N is exactly the same and opposite to the weight
according to Newton’s Third Law. Assume that as shown in the diagram, horizontal force (P) is
applied to the block. The block remains stationary due to friction. This means that the friction’s
force F and the normal reaction have a resultant force R at an angle β with the normal reaction
to the plane, thus:

F
tanβ =
N

As the force P increases, as long as the block does not slip, the friction force must be equal and
opposite to P. The block is in equilibrium during this period and all forces acting on the block
must satisfy equations of equilibrium until we hit a P value which causes the block to slip and
move in the direction of the force being applied. At that point the maximum values of static
friction F for a given pair of mating surfaces are determined by F  N.

 Inclined Plane:
The underlying theory is to apply Newton Three Laws of Motion and using the conditions of
equilibrium to measure the coefficient of friction. To find all forces applied on an object a free
body diagram is drown, for example a slider resting on an inclined plane, with an angle α to the
horizontal. The slider is resting on the plane.
 Just when the slider starts moving down (slide):

Then the normal slider’s pressure on the plane is W cos α and the component of W that
acts along the plane is W sin α. When the angle of inclination of the plane, α, is
increased until the slider just begins to move, then:
The force acting down to the plane = µ W cos α
Which is also = W sin α
Hence: µ = tan β = tan α
N= W cosα ------- (1)
F=W sinα -------- (2)
Also F=µN --------- (3)
Substituting the value of equation 1 in 3
F=µ W cosα --------- (4)
Dividing equation 2 and equation 4
F μcosα sinα
= → μ= → μ=tanα
F sinα cosα
α =¿ Angle of inclination or angle of repose.
F
Also, tanβ = =μ
N
Hence, μ=tanα=tanβ
So, α=β
β=¿ Angle of friction

Therefore the friction coefficient between the slider and the plane is the tangent of the
angle at which the slider is just starting to slip down the plane.
 Just when the slider starts moving up:

When the plane is at an angle α less than β then a force P must be applied to the slider
to make it move down the plane with a uniform speed.
P +W sin α = F
P = µ W cos α – W sin α

When the plane is at an angle greater than β then a force must be applied up the plane
so as to lower the slider at a constant speed. Then:
P+F= W sinα
P= W sin α - µ W cos α

Consider an inclined plane again. To move the slider up the plane when the angle of
inclination is less than the angle of friction we must apply a force P.
P= F+ W sin α
 Hence, P = µ W cos α + W sin α

Apparatus:
Ed Lab Quip: ME 080 – Friction on an Inclined Plane Model

The experience was conducted by Ed Lab Quip: ME 080 – Friction on an Inclined Plane Model which has
a Bench-top to test the sliding friction coefficient between steel and different materials with 1m long of
reversible ground steel plate and it is adjustable within ±45°, the angle is indicated by the inclinometer.
It also supplied with a hanger of loads, cord, weights set and a set of specific sliders.

Below is a figure showing the apparatus setup:

Main Features:

 Adjustable steel plane +45 to -45 degrees ( to control the angle of inclination)
 Sliders – Brass, Wood, Plastic (different materials used to find their friction coefficient)
 Felt material (cleaning the plane and preventing errors due to humidity)
 End Pulley (lifting loads and changing the direction of the force applied on the loading cord)
 Hanger ( a tool used to hold weights)

Components:

1. Slider
 2. Handle to adjust the 5. Pulley 9. Sliders
angle 6. Load hanger  Loads & Weight
3. Angle scale 7. Foot Scale
4. Loading cord 8. Base stand

How it is used:

The apparatus is placed on flat surface standing on its base. A slider of specific material is placed on the
bench top in one end with a loading cord connecting the slider through the end pulley to the hanger at
the other end. Angle is adjusted and weights are placed specifically for the experiment. The slider will
stay at rest until enough amount of force is applied to cancel the equilibrium condition and put the
slider in motion against the force of friction. Later calculations are made to find the friction coefficient
between the slider and the plane surfaces.
Procedure (Methods):
Part A: Coefficient of Friction on a Horizontal Plane using varied loads

Set the plane horizontal:

I. Weighing the slider on the weighing scale, and placing it on the horizontal plane along.
Noting the material type.
II. Weighing the hanger and then attaching the load cord to the slider. Moving the load
cord over the pulley and placing the hanger on the end of the cord.
III. Adding weights onto the hanger until the slider just begins to move. Recording the
hanger weights loaded and calculating the force. Also calculating the coefficient of
Friction.
IV. Placing a weight (5, 10, 15, 20 N) on the slider and again determining the load F required
to just start moving the slider.
V. Trying about three different weights in the slider and tabulating my results.
VI. Trying at least three different sliders.
VII. Plotting the graph {Frictional force (Applied force)- slider weight (Normal reaction)} and
finding its slope.
VIII. Cleaning the surfaces of the slider and the plane frequently during the experiment.

Part B: Coefficient of Friction on an inclined Plane using varied loads- Angle

adjustment:

I. Select and weigh a slider and place it on the horizontal plane. Noting the material type.
II. Slackening the plane clamp and slowly tilting the plane until the slider just begins to
move down the plane.
III. Some care will be required in order to obtain accurate results.
IV. Tabulating my results and calculating the remaining columns.
V. Trying about three or four masses on the slider to obtain a set of results to determine an
average value.
VI. Cleaning the surfaces of the slider and the plane frequently during the experiment.

Part D: Coefficient of Friction on an inclined Plane using varied loads- Upward Incline upward
motion:
I. Select and weigh a slider and place it on the horizontal plane. Noting the material type.
 II. Inclining the plane as before and determine F to move the slider up the plane at a slow
uniform speed.
III. Tabulating my results.
IV. Plotting the graph (Frictional force along the plane – Normal Reaction) and finding its
slope.
V. Cleaning the surfaces of the slider and the plane frequently during the experiment.

Results:
Part A: Coefficient of Friction on a Horizontal Plane using varied loads

Test Slider material Slider weight (N) Applied force (F) Coefficient of friction (
number F /N )
1 5 N + 3.381 N = 0.23 kg × 9.81 m/s 2 = 2.2563 N /8.381 N =¿ ¿
8.381 N 0.2692
2 Wood 10 N + 3.381 N =
2.2563 N
0.34 kg × 9.81 m/s 2 = 3.3354 N /13.381 N =¿ ¿
13.381 N 3.3354 N 0.2493
3 15 N + 3.381 N = 0.41 kg × 9.81 m/s 2 = 4.0221 N /18.381 N =¿ ¿
18.381 N 4.0221 N 0.2188
4 20 N + 3.381 N = 0.56 kg × 9.81 m/s 2 = 5.4936 N /23.381 N =¿ ¿
23.381 N 5.4936 N 0.235
Coefficient of friction average = 0.243

Test Slider material Slider weight (N) Applied force (F) Coefficient of friction (
number F /N )
1 5 N + 3.41388 N = 0.17 kg × 9.81 m/s 2 = 1.6677 N /8. 41388 N=¿ ¿
8.41388 N 0.1982
2 Acrylic 10 N + 3.41388 N =
1.6677 N
0.29 kg × 9.81 m/s 2 = 2.8449 N /13. 41388 N =¿ ¿
13.41388 N 2.8449 N 0.2121
3 15 N + 3.41388 N = 0.41 kg × 9.81 m/s 2 = 4.0221 N /18. 41388 N=¿ ¿
18.41388 N 4.0221 N 0.2184
4 20 N + 3.41388 N = 0.52 kg × 9.81 m/s 2 = 5.1012 N /23. 41388 N =¿ ¿
23.41388 N 5.1012 N 0.2179
Coefficient of friction average = 0.2112

Test Slider material Slider weight (N) Applied force (F) Coefficient of friction (
number F /N )
1 5 N + 3.59046 N = 0.17 kg × 9.81 m/s 2 = 1.6677 N /8. 59046 N =¿ ¿
8.59046 N 0.1941
2 Aluminum 10 N + 3.59046 N =
1.6677 N
0.28 kg × 9.81 m/s 2 = 2.7468 N /13.59046 N =¿ ¿
13.59046 N 2.7468 N 0.2021
3 15 N + 3.59046 N = 0.38 kg × 9.81 m/s 2 = 3.7278 N /18.59046 N =¿ ¿
18.59046 N 3.7278 N 0.2005
4 20 N + 3.59046 N = 0.58 kg × 9.81 m/s 2 = 5.6898 N /23.59046 N =¿ ¿
23.59046 N 5.6898 N 0.2412
Coefficient of friction average = 0.2095

*Note: all tables above have considered the slider and hanger weight in calculations.

Brief analysis: in part A of the experiment we noticed that different materials have a different Coefficient
of friction.

*Note: the slope in the plots is the same as coefficient of friction in the tables
 Wood
Applied force (F) Linear (Applied force (F))
6.0000

5.0000 5.4936

4.0000
4.0221
3.0000 3.3354
2.0000 2.2563
1.0000

0.0000
0.0000 5.0000 10.0000 15.0000 20.0000 25.0000
Applied force (F)

Acrylic
Applied force (F) Linear (Applied force (F))
6.0000

5.0000
5.1012
4.0000
4.0221
3.0000
2.8449
2.0000

1.0000 1.6677

0.0000
0.0000 5.0000 10.0000 15.0000 20.0000 25.0000
Applied force (F)
 Results:
Part B: Coefficient of Friction on an inclined Plane using varied loads- Angle adjustment.

Test number Slider material Slider weight Plane angle tan α=μ
1 5 N + 3.381 N = 11 ° 0.194
8.381 N
2 Wood 10 N + 3.381 N =
13.381 N
13 ° 0.231

3 15 N + 3.381 N = 12 ° 0.213
18.381 N
4 20 N + 3.381 N = 12 ° 0.213
23.381 N
Coefficient of friction average = 0.21275

Test number Slider material Slider weight Plane angle tan α=μ
1 5 N + 3.41388 N = 12 ° 0.213
8.41388 N
2 Acrylic 10 N + 3.41388 N =
13.41388 N
12 ° 0.213

3 15 N + 3.41388 N 12 ° 0.213
= 18.41388 N
4 20 N + 3.41388 N 12 ° 0.213
= 23.41388 N
Coefficient of friction average = 0.213

Aluminum
Applied force (F) Linear (Applied force (F))
6.0000

5.0000
5.6898
4.0000
3.7278
3.0000
2.7468
2.0000

1.0000 1.6677

0.0000
0.0000 5.0000 10.0000 15.0000 20.0000 25.0000
Applied force (F)
 Test number Slider material Slider weight Plane angle tan α=μ
1 5 N + 3.59046 N = 9° 0.16
8.59046 N
2 Aluminum 10 N + 3.59046 N 9° 0.16
= 13.59046 N
3 15 N + 3.59046 N 9° 0.16
= 18.59046 N
4 20 N + 3.59046 N = 9° 0.16
23.59046 N
Coefficient of friction average = 0.16

Brief analysis: in part B of the experiment we noticed that different materials have a different Coefficient
of friction.

Tables plot: (without slope)

*Note: the slope in the plots is the same coefficient of friction in the tables

Results:
Part D: Coefficient of Friction on an inclined Plane using varied loads- Upward Incline upward motion.

Slider material: Wood Plane angle α : 30 °

Slider weight ( N ) Load F ( N ) w sin α w cos α μ
W
5 N + 3.381 N = 6.18 N 8.381 sin ( 30° ) =¿ 8.381 cos ( 30 ° )=¿ 0.27
8.381 N
10 N + 3.381 N = 9.99 N 13.381 sin (30 ° )=¿ 13.381 cos ( 30 ° )=¿ 0.28
13.381 N
15 N + 3.381 N = 14.36 N 1 8.381sin ( 30 ° )=¿ 1 8.381cos ( 30° ) =¿ 0.32
18.381 N
20 N + 3.381 N = 17.27 N 23.381 sin (30 ° ) =¿ 23.381 cos ( 30 ° )=¿ 0.28
23.381 N

Slider material: Acrylic Plane angle α : 30 °

Slider weight ( N ) Load F ( N ) w sin α w cos α μ
W
5 N + 3.41388 N = 5.79 N 8.41388 sin ( 30 ° )=¿ 8.41388 cos ( 30 ° )=¿ 0.22
8.41388 N
10 N + 3.41388 N = 8.43 N 13.41388 sin ( 30° ) =¿ 13.41388 cos ( 30 ° )=¿ 0.15
13.41388 N
15 N + 3.41388 N = 12.58 N 1 8.41388 sin ( 30 ° )=¿ 1 8.41388 cos ( 30° )=¿ 0.21
18.41388 N
 20 N + 3.41388 N = 16.34 N 23.41388 sin ( 30° ) =¿ 23.41388 cos ( 30 ° )=¿ 0.23
23.41388 N
Coefficient of friction average = 0.20

Slider material: Aluminum Plane angle α : 30 °

Slider weight ( N ) Load F ( N ) w sin α w cos α μ
W
5 N + 3.59046 N = 5.67 N 8.5905 sin ( 30 ° )=¿ 8.59046 cos ( 30 ° )=¿ 0.18
8.59046 N
10 N + 3.59046 N = 8.61 N 13.5905 sin ( 30° ) =¿ 13.59046 cos ( 30 ° )=¿ 0.15
13.59046 N
15 N + 3.59046 N = 11.79 N 1 8.5905 sin ( 30 ° )=¿ 1 8.59046 cos ( 30 ° )=¿ 0.15
18.59046 N
20 N + 3.59046 N = 16.28 N 23.5905 sin ( 30° )=¿ 23.59046 cos ( 30 ° )=¿ 0.22
23.59046 N
Coefficient of friction average = 0.18
Comments:
In the experience there was a deviation between the experimental results and the theoretical
predictions, although the data is inconsistent with the theory, as shown below:

Material: Wood & Steel

Theoretical coefficient of friction: 0.20
Experimental coefficient of friction (average in 0.25
all parts)
Deviation in (%) (average) 25%

Material: Acrylic & Steel

Theoretical coefficient of friction: 0.20
Experimental coefficient of friction (average in 0.21
all parts)
Deviation in (%) (average) 5%

Material: Aluminum & Steel

Theoretical coefficient of friction: 0.61
Experimental coefficient of friction (average in 0.18
all parts)
Deviation in (%) (average) -70%

On the one hand, these differences in results were occurred due to difficulties faced in the
experiment a the atmosphere were effecting the friction between the slider and the plane and
we had to frequently clean the surfaces during the experiment to avoid humidity, other factors
played role in our calculations such as placing the weights on the hanger without applying and
additional force not to mention the string had to be straight and not twisted nor plucked so it
and passes through the end pulley smoothly so it does not cause a friction force of its own. Add
to that the pressure factor where there was inefficient portion of time relatively for long
experiment as this. However, there are few things that were not important as friction is all
about the perpendicular force acting between two objects, and so the contact area and speed
of the object motion was not considered in the experiment. However, on the other hand, the
experiment could improve, by doing it in a control atmosphere where there is no humidity and
if better equipments are provided such as various weights with a minimum scale of 1 gram and
a loading cord with minimum resistance. In addition applying an auto stable system to place the
weights efficiently and observe.
Conclusion:
The theory of the existence of friction and its variation upon different materials
was found true and consistent with the data collected, seeing that the results
conducted in this experiment was approached by different techniques in order to
find the coefficient of friction and were close if errors did not occur, as I managed
to reach out the results using theoretical perditions such as, the equilibrium
condition, although there was a variation between the experimental results and
the theoretical perditions but that was due to difficulties in accurately measuring
the right amount of force needed on the opposite direction to cancel the
equilibrium condition.. Thus I conclude that Newton Three Laws of Motion
implications are valid to finding the coefficient of friction of different materials
and the results could be consistent to these laws.
Appendix:
Part A: Coefficient of Friction on a Horizontal Plane using varied loads
Part D: Coefficient of Friction on an inclined Plane using varied loads- Upward Incline upward motion.
Bibliography (References):
1. Mechanical Fundamentals (Assessment Lab) Booklet.
2. What is Friction? (n.d.). Retrieved from [Link]
[Link].
3. Engineers Edge, L. L. C. (n.d.). Coefficient of Friction Equation and Table Chart - Engineers Edge.
Retrieved from [Link] \