A novel sensor using photo-interrupter for measuring static friction coefficient

Abstract

A force sensor design utilizing a photo-interrupter is presented for measuring the static coefficient of friction (COF). The measurement of ice friction on polymer surfaces, a process that requires detecting forces in the sub-Newton range, is chosen for the study. The photo-interrupter is coupled with a specially designed sensitive flexure, with structural parameters validated through finite element methods, to detect the small forces. The static properties of the sensor are characterized by calibration techniques. An accompanying rotary table is constructed to measure the COF of ice on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polyester specimens under refrigeration conditions. The experimental results indicate that the device can be utilized to predict the COF. The designed portable and miniature friction measurement setup can be a compact and cost-efficient alternative to bulky tribo-rheometer equipment.