Abstract
Professor Simon has raised a very interesting point about the difference between rolling and sliding friction. In essence his query is concerned with the relation between the work done in creating a new surface of a solid and the free surface energy gained. This equivalence is valid for liquids and also applies as a first approximation to brittle solids with well-defined cleavage planes which show little capacity for plastic flow. Thus Obreimoff (1930) has determined the surface tension of mica from the work required to strip off a mica flake. Unfortunately, this concept cannot be applied to solids which undergo appreciable plastic flow before rupture occurs. It is not, of course, that plastic solids disobey the fundamental laws of thermodynamics, but that, in the formation of new surfaces by rupture, by far the greater part of the energy is dissipated in deforming the solid; the surface energy is only a small part of the whole.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A. Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
