THE FRICTION OF QUARTZ IN HIGH VACUUM

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the fundamental factors controlling the frictional properties of quartz surfaces, with emphasis on the effects of surface cleanliness. Ultra-high vacuums (to 10 to the minus 10th power torr) and high temperatures (to 350 deg C) were combined with chemical cleaning and careful handling techniques to produce the maximum surface cleanliness. The coefficient of static friction under varying environmental conditions was measured for quartz, 304 stainless steel and granite. Direct shear tests were run on a quartz sand (40-60 mesh Ottawa sand) and on 30-40 mesh glass balls. The coefficient of friction of smooth quartz was found to vary from 0.1 to 1.0 depending on the surface cleanliness. The friction of rough surfaces showed a much smaller variation, which has important implications for granular soils.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1966
Accession Number
AD0803462

Entities

People

  • Leslie G. Bromwell

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Adhesion
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Crystal Structure
  • Elastic Properties
  • Engineering
  • Engineers
  • Friction
  • High Vacuum
  • Measurement
  • Mechanical Working
  • Mechanics
  • Pressure Measurement
  • Shear Tests
  • Soil Mechanics
  • Surface Properties
  • Surface Roughness

Readers

  • Geotechnical Engineering.
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.
  • Tribology (the study of the boundary interaction between sliding surfaces, lubrication, wear and friction).