Quote:
Originally Posted by Alan Anderson
A larger footprint does not have any theoretical advantage in traction. With the same coefficent of friction and the same weight, the amount of surface contact is not a factor.
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This is sort of true. With compliant surfaces like carpet, rubber tires and treads there is some degree of mechanical interlock that can change the grip level to normal load.
While you can generally equate a coefficient of friction as a constant, there are noticeable changes relative to load. I think 494 did a neat project on this.
%slip also makes a huge difference.
Any students interested in a good/simple science fair project, this is a solid one. Map the coefficient of friction between two materials (let's say carpet and brown ruff belting) vs. contact area and load. You will get a really cool 3D curve and likely win some scholarship money (and might even learn something) in the process.