Development of Techniques for Evaluating the Frictional Properties of Rubber Sole and Heel Compounds
Abstract
The divergence in the behavior of rubbery materials from the classical laws of friction requires testing of rubber compounds under speed and loadings likely to be encountered in service. This report describes a friction- measuring device developed at NLABS for testing rubber compounds under the speed and loading conditions normally encountered in walking. The apparatus consists of a carriage traveling on an inclined plane and using a rubber specimen as a braking device. Stopping distances were used as a measure of the comparative friction of various rubber samples. A second device adapted from a commercially available skid tester originally developed for testing road surfaces was also evaluated. The data obtained from testing rubber compounds on various surfaces were used to show correlation between the two types of apparatus, thus providing a commercially available device suitable for specification testing; the type and condition of the surface in contact with the rubber in its effect on friction vs. the differences in polymer type, hardness or resilience; and friction of all the rubber compounds tested as extremely low on wet-lubricated surfaces, such as ice.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0713868
Entities
People
- Angus F. Wilson
- Patrick J. Mahoney
Organizations
- United States Army Soldier Systems Center