I have seen from authentic sources that the coefficient of kinetic friction ( mild steel on mild steel) is 0.57. However the most industrially accepted value is 0.3. May I know how this 0.3 value is arrived at and this is applicable for what type of surface condition ? Under what conditions should we go in for values like 0.5 etc.

Anindya,

Please see the preceding thread. It is a popular topic for discussion so see previous discussions.

Regards, John.

<em>Since the order of discussion threads can move around, based on the date of the last contribution, here is a link to the "preceding thread" .

Hi Anindya,
Friction coefficient is directly dependent on surface conditions.
As you mentioned the value 0.57 might be value under Lab test condition. It need to be investigated what is the surface roughness value of those Steel plates.
The universally accepted value 0.3 is for structural steel to structural steel friction
and without corrosion or rusting (i.e. new steel members).
I would recommend to use 0.5 value at the corrosive atmosphere e.g. at seashore and where
operating cycles are frequent e.g. Adsorbers of PSA.