Today, we will continue our lecture on friction.

In the earlier lectures, we saw simple contact friction,

where the geometry of the contacting surfaces was simple. So, computing the friction and the normal
forces were to some extent easy. For contact surfaces that have complex geometry, we have to
consider small elemental areas and write the friction and the normal forces for those differential areas.
Then, we integrate their effects to arrive at the overall effect of friction. Today, our discussion will be on
one such interesting problem involving square threads.
Square threads are used for screws in jacks, presses, and clamps. The main purpose of these devices is
to hold components, or in the case of a jack, to raise the load. The friction between the threads is
advantageously used to perform the required function.
In this picture, you see a jack typically used to raise automobiles for repair work. The automobile axle is
supported on this cap, with "W" representing the weight of the automobile carried by this screw cap.
This is the square thread, and this is the base in which the square thread is placed.
The automobile workshop worker applies force on this lever to rotate the screw, raising or lowering
the screw and thus the car body. The friction between the thread and the contact surface of the base
must be overcome when raising this load. If the raised load is to be kept in place, the friction must be
sufficiently large to prevent the screw from unwinding when the force is removed from the lever.
The design of the screw jack is based on the condition that the force required to raise the load should
be minimal, and the friction should be large enough to prevent the screw from unwinding. Let us now
examine the geometry of the screw.
Consider a portion of this screw. These are the threads, which have an inclination angle (α). The screw
cap supports a load "W." The force "P" produces a moment required to rotate this screw. This can be
replaced by a moment "Mz," where Mz = P * a, with "a" being the moment arm, the distance from the
axis of the screw. The mean radius of the threads is designated as "r." The distance between two
successive threads along the axis of the screw is known as the pitch of the thread.
For a single-threaded screw, the pitch is the distance that a nut will travel in one revolution. For screws
with multiple threads, the advancement of the nut is equal to n times the pitch, where "n" is the
number of threads. Denote the pitch as "P" and the lead as "L" (the distance the nut moves along the
thread). The lead "L" is equal to np, where n is the number of threads.
From the geometry, the distance moved by the nut, "L," is related to the angle by the relation:
tan(α) = L / (2πr) = np / (2πr).
Now, let's look at how these frictional forces come into play. On these thread faces, frictional forces act
along the thread face. When attempting to move this screw in a particular direction, the frictional force
resists the motion. The direction of the frictional force is opposite to the direction of motion, and the
normal force is also present.
Let’s say that "dN" is the differential normal force and "df" is the differential frictional force. These
forces act at a distance "r" from the axis of the screw since the width of the screw threads is small.
These forces act around the entire circumference of the thread and have the same direction cosines
with respect to the axis of the screw.
We can consider an equivalent free-body diagram where the sum of all these frictional forces and
normal forces is represented by a single force "f" and "n" acting along the axis of the screw. Now, let
us consider the free-body diagram. We have the weight "W" and the applied moment "Mz." This is the
sum total frictional force acting on the thread face, and this is the sum total normal force acting on the
thread face. This equivalent free-body diagram helps us relate the applied moment and the frictional
forces along the z-direction.
We cannot use relations like the sum of forces in the x or y directions directly here. However, we can
write equations for the forces along the z-direction. The sum of the forces along the z-direction must
be zero. From this, we have:
-W + N * cos(α) + μ_s * N * sin(α) = 0, where μ_s is the coefficient of static friction.
We can also sum the moments of these forces with respect to the z-axis and set it equal to zero:
-μ_s * N * cos(α) * r - N * sin(α) * r + Mz = 0.
Solving these equations and eliminating "N" gives the following equation for the applied moment:
Mz = W * r * (μ_s * cos(α) + sin(α)) / (cos(α) - μ_s * sin(α)).
This is the moment that must be applied in order to raise the load.
Next, we will examine whether the screw jack will unwind if the applied force is removed. If the screw
jack is self-locking, meaning the load stays in place after removing the applied force, it is termed a
self-locking screw. If it unwinds, it is not self-locking.
To find the condition for self-locking, we set Mz = 0. The direction of the frictional force must reverse
when the screw unwinds. Reversing the sign of the frictional force and solving, we find that the
minimum coefficient of friction for a self-locking screw is given by:
μ_s = tan(α).
If μ_s < tan(α), the screw will not be self-locking. If μ_s > tan(α), the screw is self-locking.
Finally, let us see an example problem where we solve for the required friction in a square-threaded
screw. In this example, we have a vise supported on a platform. One of its jaws is supported, while the
other is adjusted by a screw. The mean radius of the screw and the coefficient of friction are given. We
are tasked with finding the force exerted when a 16 Nm torque is applied to the screw.
We can consider the free-body diagram of the screw and the jaw, from which we can calculate the
required force.
We have this screw, and on this face, there is a uniform reaction due to this jaw CB. Let this total
reaction be N1. The equivalent frictional force and the normal reaction on the face of the threads at
this point A can be represented by these single forces F and N, which are inclined at an angle alpha,
the lead angle of the screw. We have the applied moment M, which is 60 Newton-meters.
If you consider the free body diagram of this jaw, at point D it is supported by a pin. So, we have Dy
and Dx, the two components of the reaction. At point A, we have the equal and opposite forces. So, we
have the normal reaction and the frictional force F, and we have this force P. The dimensions are
known. From this free body diagram, we can now write the required equations to solve.
Let’s consider, first, the free body diagram of the screw. We can write the moment summation
equation and force summation equation along the screw. We have already seen that in this equivalent
diagram, we cannot write the summation of the force in the x or y-direction. If this is the z-direction,
then we can write the force summation along this axis and the moment summation of these forces
about this axis. Let us write the equation.
Before computing, let us find the lead angle, which in this case is the inverse tangent of 3 divided by 2
pi r, where the mean radius is 12 mm. The lead is equal to pitch and is 3 mm. From this, we find the
angle to be 2.279 degrees. Let us write the force summation about this z-axis, which is N cos alpha
minus mu N sin alpha for the impending case. This frictional force is equal to mu times N minus N1,
the total reaction on this face. We equate it to 0.
Let us sum the moments. We have this applied moment, which is minus 60 Newton-meters, plus the
moment due to this frictional force and this normal force, which is N sin alpha times r, the mean radius
of the screw, plus mu N cos alpha times r, and this has to be 0. From this, we get to know the value of
mu as well as alpha. We find N to be 26364 N. Here, we are not using this equation, but if we are
interested in knowing the reaction, we can use this equation to find N1.
Let us move to the next free body diagram, which is the y-sum. This shows the free body diagram.
Here, we have already computed N, and we can compute force P. If we take a moment equation about
point D, let us write that equation. Summing the moments about D and equating it to 0, we have the
load P times the moment arm, which is 600 mm (0.6 meters), minus force N cos alpha, which is the
vertical component, and the vertical component of this force is plus mu sin alpha. Both of these have
the moment arm of 0.45 meters. Setting this equal to 0, we obtain P as 19.64 kN.
This example illustrated the method used to solve for the square threads. We can determine the
required unknowns by considering the equivalent free body diagram. We will now see another method
of analysis, where the analysis of this thread is made as a problem of solving the inclined plane.
This is the screw jack that we have considered here earlier. This problem is now converted into
problems similar to that of a block on an inclined plane. If we unwind the thread and put it on the
plane of the screen, then the problem can be considered as raising a load along this incline. So, this
picture shows the unwrapped thread. We know that when we move along the thread by the distance 2
pi r, the thread raises by the lead distance. If we complete one full rotation, this load is raised by a
distance L. So, it is equivalent to saying that we raise this load W on this inclined plane. The force
applied on this lever arm, which is the moment required to rotate the screw, is represented by an
equivalent force Q, which is used to raise this W on this inclined plane. This theta is the lead angle of
the screw.
This problem can be solved by using the free body diagrams derived from this equation. The problem
of finding Q is simple because the moment of this force P is equal to the moment of this force Q,
which is applied on the circumference of the thread. If this is the mean radius r, then Q is the force. We
are considering the thread, as viewed from the z-direction, and we have the applied moment of this
force, which is P times a. The force Q should be large enough to resist the moment due to this lever,
which is Pa. From this, we can find Q.
Once we know Q, we can solve the problem using the plane analogy. The problem of analyzing the
self-locking behavior can be considered for the inclined plane analogy as well. If we have the
impending motion upward, it is equivalent to raising the load by applying the required moment on the
screw jack. This is the equivalent free body diagram of the inclined plane. The reaction force, which is
the sum total of the normal reaction and the frictional force on this face, makes an angle of phi with
respect to this normal. If theta is the lead angle, then the normal of this inclined face makes an angle
of theta with this vertical.
If the thread is not a self-locking thread, then a force or moment has to be applied to lower the block.
The analysis of the screws that we have seen can be done by another method, where we analogize the
problem to that of raising the load on an inclined plane. Let us consider this screw jack again, where
we apply force P to cause a moment to raise the load W. We draw an equivalent inclined plane by
unwrapping the thread on the plane of paper.
We know that if we rotate the screw by one revolution, then this load W is raised by a distance equal
to the lead of this thread. If we move on this inclined plane by a distance 2 pi r, which is equal to one
revolution of the thread, then the load is raised by a distance of the lead of the screw. So, this inclined
plane represents an equivalent of the thread. This moment, Pa, is applied in order to raise this load W.
We have to represent that by an equivalent horizontal load Q, which is used to raise this load W.
This load Q can be found by considering the top view of this screw and the lever. This force P is
applied at a distance of a. If this circle represents the circle corresponding to the mean radius of the
screw, then this force Q is being applied at a distance of r. Since we are considering an equivalent
diagram, we have to ensure that the moment of this force Q is equivalent to the moment of this force
P. We have Q times r equal to P times a.
This angle theta is the lead angle of the screw. From this equilibrium diagram, we see that this reaction
force r, which is equivalent to this frictional force and the normal force, is inclined at an angle of phi for
the impending slippage case, where the block is about to move upward. This angle theta is nothing
but the angle between the normal to the inclined plane and the vertical axis.
The problem of analysis can be converted into a problem of analyzing this inclined plane to find the
required quantities. This diagram represents the impending motion upward, where the force Q pushes
the weight against the slope. If the thread is a self-locking thread, then if we leave the load on the
inclined plane, it will not slide down. This is equivalent to a self-locking thread; that means, we need to
apply a force Q in order to push this load down the incline.
We can consider this free body diagram and find the required force Q. Thus, in turn, we can find the
required moment in order to lower the load. Here, we see that this angle of friction, phi, is greater than
the lead angle, theta, which is the lead angle of the screw. If the thread is not a self-locking thread,
then we need a moment that has to be applied to the screw to keep the load in position. If that
moment is removed, then the screw will unwind, and the load will be lowered.
We have to find the corresponding load Q for this inclined plane analogy that will resist the load from
moving down the incline. Here, we see that this angle phi is less than the lead angle. Once we know
this Q, we can find the required moment to keep the load in position. Let us use this analogy of the
inclined plane to solve some problems.
Here is the transcript without the timestamps:

We have an example of a clamp that is used to hold blocks. When some work is being done on those
blocks, the diameter of the screw is given as 10 mm, the pitch is given as 2 mm, and the coefficient of
friction is given as 0.3. If a torque of 40 Newton’s meter is applied in tightening the clamp, we are
interested in determining the force that is being exerted on these blocks. In the second case, we are
interested in the torque required to loosen this clamp. Before we proceed, let us find the lead angle
and the angle of friction so as to construct the analogical inclined plane for this screw thread.
We know the lead is twice the pitch because it is a double thread. The angle θ, which is the lead angle,
is equal to L/(2πr), which is 2 times the pitch (2 mm in this case), and r is 5 mm. We have tan(θ) as
0.1273, and the coefficient of static friction is given as 0.3, from which we can find φ (the angle of
friction). We find θ as 7.3 degrees and φ as 16.7 degrees. Let us construct an analogical inclined plane.
This plane has a lead of 4 mm, and this is the lead angle we have found as 7.3 degrees, and the angle
of friction φ we have found as 16.7 degrees. When we apply the moment, it is represented by an
equivalent force Q on this inclined plane, which is used to raise this weight. In this case, W is the force
that is being applied on the blocks.
Knowing the moment means we know what Q is. We are interested in finding the force on the block,
or the clamping force on the blocks. We have already seen that φ is greater than θ. So, the free body
diagram of the inclined plane will have the reaction force R, inclined to the normal face by this angle of
16.7 degrees. We have Qr as 40 Newton meter, which is the applied torque. Knowing the radius of the
thread, we find the equivalent load Q on the inclined plane as 8 kN.
Now, from this diagram, we relate this W and Q. We know that tan(θ + φ) is equal to Q (the horizontal
load) divided by the vertical load W from this force triangle. We have this W, we have the horizontal
force Q, and the resultant of the normal reaction and the frictional force that is R, and this angle is
equal to θ + φ from the diagram. Now, we know Q, we know θ, and we know φ, so we can determine
the load that can be raised, or in this case, the clamping force, which is equal to 17.97 kN in this case.
Next, we are interested to find the moment that is required to loosen the clamp. This is equivalent to
lowering the load in the inclined plane. This diagram shows the load being lowered on the inclined
plane. This angle θ is the lead angle of the screw. In this case, the resultant of the frictional force and
the normal force is this R, which is acting on the left side of the normal of this inclined plane. This
angle, again for the impending case, is the angle of friction φ, which is equal to 16.7 degrees, and this
angle is the lead angle, which is 7.3 degrees.
Again, we construct this force triangle. This is R, this is W (the clamping force), and this is the force
required to lower the load. This angle, from the diagram, is φ - θ. We can relate this horizontal load Q
to the clamping force or the weight of the block in this inclined plane analogy as tan(φ - θ) = Q/W. We
know the clamping force that is existing. From this, we can find the horizontal force required to lower
the load, or in other words, the required moment to loosen the clamp. This force Q is found as 2.975
kN. The moment that is required is equal to Q times the radius of the thread, which is 5 mm in this
case. We find this torque as 14.87 Newton meter. So, this is the torque that is required to loosen the
clamp.
In the problems, when we use this inclined plane analogy, one has to be careful in drawing the
equivalent inclined plane diagram and representing the forces. Let us see one more problem so that
you become conversant with this method of using the analogical inclined plane. Here, you see a worm
gear which resists the rotation of this big gear that you see in the picture. This worm gear is being
supported by the bearings, and this big gear is supported on this shaft. This large gear is subjected to
a torque of 1100 Newton meter, and this worm gear prevents the free rotation of this large gear.
The geometry is given; that is, you know the mean radius of this worm gear. Worm gears have these
square threads, which match with the threads of this large gear, and the coefficient of friction is given
as 0.12. We are interested in determining the torque or moment that has to be applied to this worm
gear shaft so that the large gear can rotate in the clockwise direction; that means, in the same
direction as this 1100 Newton meter. We can neglect the friction in the bearings. Let us say, A and B
are the bearings supporting the worm gear shaft, and C is the bearing on this shaft. We see that even
though this 1100 Newton meter torque acts on this large gear, because of the friction existing in the
worm gear and the large gear contact, the large gear is not rotating. So, in order to make it rotate in
the clockwise direction, we need to provide an additional moment to the worm gear shaft. Let us see
how to determine this moment.
In order to construct an equivalent inclined plane for this problem, let us see this diagram carefully.
This torque of 1100 Newton meter that is being applied to this large gear applies a vertically upward
load on this shaft because of this gearing. So, it is equivalent to represent this as the applied moment
M to the worm gear shaft. This 1100 Newton meter torque applies a vertically upward load on this
worm gear. This force can be found by knowing this momentum, which is nothing but the radius of
this large gear, which is 400 mm. We have this force as 1100 divided by 0.4. This problem is equivalent
to an inclined plane with this as the load to be raised or lowered on the worm gear face.
So, this is the worm gear tooth face. Let us draw the equivalent inclined plane. This is the lead angle,
which can be found from the lead of this worm gear. This is the load that has to be raised or lowered,
which in this case is equal to 1100 divided by 0.4. If you see, the effect of this moment is to rotate this
gear in the clockwise direction itself; that means, we are interested in moving in the same direction of
the load that is being applied on this worm gear. So, it is equivalent to lowering the load on the
inclined plane. This force Q represents the equivalent force that causes this moment M. From the
coefficient of friction, we know this angle of friction for the impending motion, which is 6.84 degrees,
and it can be found from these equations: tan(θ) = lead/(2πr) and tan(φ) = coefficient of static friction.
Once we have created this equivalent diagram, we can write the force equation. This equation comes
from this force triangle, where R is the resultant force, W is the weight that is being raised or lowered,
and this is the force Q that is being applied to the block in order to lower the weight. This angle is φ -
θ. We have seen that when this moment is not applied, the larger gear does not rotate, which means it
is a self-locking gearing pair. So, we need to apply this load Q in order to lower this weight or to rotate
the large gear. From this, we get the value of Q as W times tan(φ - θ), which is found as 219.8
Newtons.
This force is equivalent to a torque of Q times r, which is the mean radius of this worm gear, which is
0.05 meters in this case. We have the torque calculated as 10.99 Newton meter. This is the torque that
is required to make the large gear rotate in the clockwise direction. These problems illustrate the
method of using the inclined plane analogy for solving the problems of square threads.