coefficient of static friction

coefficient of static friction

[¦kō·ə′fish·ənt əv ′stad·ik ′frik·shən]

(mechanics)

The ratio of the maximum possible frictional force, parallel to the surface of contact, which acts to prevent two bodies in contact, and at rest with respect to each other, from sliding or rolling over each other, to the force, normal to the surface of contact, with which the bodies press against each other. Also known as coefficient of friction of rest.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

coefficient of static friction

The coefficient of friction where the force in the direction of sliding is that necessary to initiate sliding.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. Copyright © 2003 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.