EFFECT OF RELATIVE-HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE ON GRAIN-METAL FRICTION

The coefficient of friction (COF) of grains has been evaluated as a fu nction of ambient temperature and relative humidity (RH) on aluminum a nd galvanized steel surfaces. The COF increased with an increase in RH for low grain moisture at low ambient temperature. For grain with a h igh moisture content (18.6% wheat, 16.4% canola, 21% lentil), the COF decreased as the RH increased to 70% and 85% at high ambient temperatu re. Temperature emerged as an important parameter influencing the COF, especially when associated with high RH.