Effect of the end-face corner radius of a rubber block on the friction coefficient and fluid-free gap under glycerin lubrication

The friction and area of the fluid-free gap between a glass plate and rubber blocks with different end-face corner radii were investigated under glycerin lubrication. Decreasing the end-face corner radius increased both the friction coefficient and area of the fluid-free gap, which indicates that the area and friction coefficient have a positive correlation. The fluid-free gap may be caused by negative fluid pressure associated with rubber block deformation, which increases the contact pressure on the front side of the rubber block. Our findings may contribute to the development of rubber products such as shoe outsoles that provide high friction under lubrication.

Automated summary

The study investigates the friction and area of the fluid-free gap between a glass plate and rubber blocks with different end-face corner radii under glycerin lubrication. The results indicate that decreasing the end-face corner radius increases both the friction coefficient and area of the fluid-free gap, suggesting a positive correlation between the area and friction coefficient. The existence of the fluid-free gap may be attributed to the negative fluid pressure caused by rubber block deformation, resulting in increased contact pressure on the front side of the rubber block. These findings may have implications for the development of rubber products, such as shoe outsoles, that exhibit high friction under lubrication.