Application of a new friction theory to ice and snow

• Published in: Annals of Glaciology
• Main Author: Makkonen, Lasse
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 1994
• Subjects: Annals of Glaciology
• Online Access: https://cris.vtt.fi/en/publications/4be181be-3f9c-451a-aef1-6baa477755ee; https://doi.org/10.3189/1994AoG19-1-155-157

A new theory, in which friction is interpreted as the energy flux required to form surface at contact asperities, is applied to sliding on ice and snow. The results of this theoretical investigation show that in dry friction the relevant contact areas are of almost molecular scale. The properties of the interface layer in ice and snow friction arc poorly known, so that the implications of this new theory are somewhat speculative. However, qualitative agreement with experimental data is good, and the theory provides explanations to the success of some empirically developed methods of improving the frictional properties of skis and sledges.