Relationship between the friction coefficient and velocity of two cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indiaL.) cultivars on different surfaces

Summary The static and dynamic coefficients of friction were determined for two cactus pear cultivars against four different structural materials, namely galvanised steel, rubber, plywood and paper for surface moving velocities of 5.35–26.72 mm s−1. Velocity affected the dynamic coefficient more than the static coefficient. Differences between the tested surfaces were most pronounced at a velocity of 18.63 mm s−1. The effects of velocity and friction surface varied inconsistently between the two cultivars.