This project evaluated the feasibility of correlating surface roughness to coefficient of friction on a shoe sole’s polymer-based material. We used state of the art microscopes to measure the surface of polymer compounds at fine scales. We used geometric multiscale analysis to characterize the surface and determine the relevant scales of measurement. We designed a testing device that can apply a measurable normal and transversal force at the interaction of two surfaces. We used a dynamometer to measure the two forces simultaneously to calculate the coefficient of friction. This study demonstrated that with a more diverse selection of surface topographies one should be able to find a correlation.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Murray, Christopher Henry
• Lidwin, Joseph Frederick
• Hard, Brien Foster

Contributors

• King, Connor

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042816-142502

Advisor

• Brown, Christopher A.

Year

• 2016

Date created

• 2016-04-28

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright