A dynamic coefficient of friction measurement device for shoe/floor interface testing

Abstract

A dynamic coefficient of friction (COF) measurement device is described for use in recording shoe/floor slip resistance. This device is computer-controlled and allows changes in the shoe/floor interface velocity and vertical force applied during a test. Different sole materials, floors, and contaminants such as water or oil are testable. Repeatability tests of the device were conducted of four velocities (1,2,5, and 10 cm/s), three vertical force levels (5,10, and 20 kg), and three floor conditions (dry, wet, and oily). These tests showed that the COF measurements were highly repeatable with trial-to-trial standard deviations of from 0.5% to 4% of the means under all conditions.