The dissipation of energy in the friction of rubber

The sliding of rubber over glass when waves of detachment are responsible for the relative motion at the interface has been studied. The frictional force and the velocity and frequency of the waves were recorded for various sliding conditions. In a separate experiment, the work required to peel apart and then re-adhere unit area of rubber-glass interface was measured as a function of peeling velocity. Assuming that the passing of a wave corresponds to a peeling and re-adhering of the contact area, the work of adhesion is calculated from the friction observations and compared with the values measured directly. The good correlation which is found indicates that in these circumstances the frictional energy dissipation may be accounted for in terms of the net work of adhesion.