Tribological concepts involved in slipping accident analysis.

Area of Science:

• Tribology
• Materials Science
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Friction at rubber-surface interfaces has three components: adhesion, hysteresis, and shape effects.
• Elastomer friction is influenced by product shape, lubricants, and surface roughness.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for preventing pedestrian slips in industrial environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the adhesion and hysteresis components of lubricated elastomer friction on industrial floor surfaces.
• To evaluate the influence of floor roughness and lubrication conditions on friction forces.
• To interpret friction variations based on elastomer properties and experimental conditions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a portable friction tester (PFT) to measure sliding resistance between a braked elastomer wheel and floor coverings.
• Tested various floor surfaces (smooth and rough) under different lubrication conditions (water, varying mineral oil amounts).
• Employed multiple test wheels with different elastomer compositions and states of wear.

Main Results:

• Adhesion and hysteresis components were identified in lubricated elastomer friction.
• Friction force varied significantly with elastomer composition, elastomer wear state, floor roughness, and lubricant quantity.
• Differences in friction were explained by the interplay of adhesion/hysteresis, elastomer properties, lubrication, and floor characteristics.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a better understanding of rubber-sole/floor interactions during pedestrian slips.
• The portable friction tester is a valuable tool for measuring industrial floor slip resistance.
• Friction behavior is predictable based on elastomer properties, lubrication, and floor topography.