COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION OF WATERMELON

The static and dynamic coefficients of friction for two watermelon cul tivars against six different surfaces were measured at three sliding s peeds and three normal forces. The sliding speed, measurement (harvest ) date, and type of abrasive surface had a significant effect on both coefficients, except sliding speed did not affect the dynamic coeffici ent of friction. Normal force did nor affect either coefficient and th e two watermelon cultivars had similar coefficients in most cases. The rubber belting surface produced the highest and smooth masonite the l owest friction coefficients. Coefficients of friction computed by two methods were similar in 75% of the cases.