Friction coefficients of wood-based structural composites

This technical note contains the description of an experimental technique f or obtaining the static and kinetic friction coefficients of structural, wo od-based composites. Materials involved in the study included laminated str and lumber (LSL) and laminated veneer lumber (LVL). The effect of contact p ressure between adjacent surfaces on the magnitude of coefficients was also investigated. Regression analyses on experimental data resulted in equatio ns predicting the coefficients as a function of contact pressure with accep table accuracy. Data indicated that kinetic friction coefficients were more consistent and less variable than static friction coefficients. Both stati c and kinetic friction coefficients had higher values and generally more va riability when the impending and relative motions occurred perpendicular to the length (i.e., surface grain direction) of the composite boards.