LAUSR

Abstract A mathematical model is developed for predicting adhesive sliding friction of rubber on a hard surface in the presence of propagating detachments or buckles known as Schallamach waves. The rubber is assumed to be elastic apart from a small zone at the leading edge of each detachment where viscoelasticity is significant. We assume the rubber is in a state of plane strain, and both contact surfaces are flat. Linear elasticity is used, together with the Fast Fourier Transform, for the wave analysis. Nonlinear elasticity is used with the finite element method to illustrate the detachment initiation. The model is shown to agree quite well with experimental data from three sources, despite the use of hemispherical sliders.