Friction torque: what is it?

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Friction torque is the force between two objects that causes one of them to rotate around an axis. It shows how much force results from one object rotating the other after accounting for the force lost to friction between the objects. For example, when a player bowls a bowling ball down a lane, it does not slide to one side but spins in a circle as it rolls. The friction of the floor making contact with the ball creates the torque, or twisting force, and the ball rotates around its axis. This axis is not real, but can be thought of as an invisible line that passes directly through the center of the bowling ball around which it rotates.

Torque is a force acting on an object, such as the bowling alley floor acting on the bowling ball. Traditionally, a force pushes an object forward or pulls it down. Instead of pushing or pulling, torque specifically refers to a force that causes another object to rotate. If a rope were tied around a wheel and a heavy object placed on the end of the rope, gravity would pull the object down, representing a pulling force, while the object’s weight would spin the wheel, causing the force of torsion represented by the torque .

Automobiles use torque to turn the wheels of a car. An engine creates power that moves the pistons inside it up and down. This force, however, only pushes and pulls and cannot spin the wheels by itself. To solve this problem, pistons rotate a crankshaft which in turn rotates the flywheel which connects to the car’s transmission. All of these parts eventually transfer rotational motion from the crankshaft to the car’s wheels, which then begin to roll forward.

The action of frictional torque on an object is the result of the resistance caused by the friction between two objects subtracted from the original amount of force applied. When a bowling ball rolls across the floor, the friction between the floor and the ball slows it down a bit. Its total frictional torque, the speed at which it’s spinning, is the original force when you launched it minus forces like friction with the floor that slow it down. Torque measurements are given in newton meters or lb-ft.

The effects caused by frictional torque can create problems in machines that need to turn precisely and not slip. To control the friction torque in these machines, torque limiters are often used. Friction torque limiters create a tight fit between moving parts to ensure they rotate at the desired speed. This is especially important in manufacturing equipment and related machines.

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