Study on the correlation between friction properties of flexible joint and loss modulus of rubber

In order to study correlation between the friction properties of flexible joint and loss modulus of rubber, two kinds of flexible joints with different silicon rubber elastomer were designed. The dynamic characteristics of flexible joint at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure were tested. The relation between friction torque of flexible joint and adherent friction coefficient of rubber material under different swing frequencies and angles were compared as well as the relation between friction torque of flexible joint and adherent friction coefficient of rubber material. In addition, the influences of loss modulus of rubber materials on friction properties of flexible joint were studied. Results show that friction torque of flexible joint is proportional to the product of constant coefficient, loss modulus and strain of rubber material. Friction loss is proportional to the product of loss modulus and square of strain.