Electrostatic component of the rolling friction force moment

Abstract The paper deals with the theory of a newly-suggested mechanism of rolling friction; i.e. that it has an electrostatic component. An electrostatic component develops when a cylinder rolls along the flat surface of a body which has a different physical nature because the boundary double electric layer is asymmetrical about the mid-point of the contact. It is shown that if the cylinder is made of a dielectric or of semi-conducting material of low conductivity, with a metal substrate or vice versa , the electrostatic component can be a significant factor in rolling friction. The dependence of the electrostatic component of the moment of rolling friction upon surface conductivity, contact area and gas pressure in the environment is studied. The electrostatic moment of friction on a 1 cm length of cylinder can reach values of some kilogrammes.