Coulomb Friction Law

Description

This frictional contact law implements simple Coulomb friction law where

      [math]\displaystyle{ S_{slide} = \mu_d N \quad{\rm if}\quad S_{stick}\gt \mu_s N }[/math]

and µ_d and µ_s are the dynamic and static coefficients of friction. If the friction coefficient is entered as a negative number, then surfaces stick whenever they are in contact but are allowed to move freely when separated. If the static coefficient of friction is less than the dynamic coefficient of friction, it is ignored.

Properties

The properties for this law are:

coeff for the dynamic coefficient of friction (default is 0). coeffStatic for the static coefficient of friction (default is -1). If the optional static coefficient of friction is changed to a positive number, it must be greater than the dynamic coefficient. The sliding will begin when it overcomes the static frictional force, but thereafter will slide with the dynamic coefficient of friction.